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a_o treatise_n concern_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o present_a corruption_n of_o christian_n and_o the_o remedy_n thereof_o part_n i._n london_n print_v for_o ri._n chiswell_n at_o the_o rose_n and_o crown_n in_o st._n paul_n s_o churchyard_n 1700._o to_o the_o right_n reverend_a gilbert_n lord_n bishop_n of_o sarum_n chancellor_n of_o the_o most_o noble_a order_n of_o the_o garter_n my_o lord_n the_o treatise_n i_o now_o humble_o offer_v to_o your_o lordship_n in_o english_a have_v meet_v with_o a_o very_a great_a and_o general_a applause_n in_o french_a a_o second_o edition_n of_o it_o be_v desire_v in_o less_o than_o two_o month_n after_o the_o first_o and_o it_o be_v already_o translate_v into_o more_o language_n than_o one_o but_o that_o which_o ought_v to_o weigh_v more_o than_o any_o other_o commendation_n be_v the_o high_a value_n your_o lordship_n set_v upon_o this_o book_n for_o if_o the_o most_o accomplish_v writer_n be_v the_o best_a judge_n of_o other_o man_n work_n there_o 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this_o whoever_o inquire_v into_o the_o notion_n and_o manner_n of_o christian_n must_v have_v no_o great_a share_n of_o sincerity_n or_o judgement_n if_o he_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v that_o religion_n have_v but_o littil_a influence_n upon_o their_o mind_n and_o that_o there_o be_v a_o amaze_a contradiction_n between_o their_o life_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o christianity_n this_o corruption_n be_v so_o evident_a and_o so_o general_o confess_v that_o i_o need_v not_o stand_v to_o prove_v it_o take_v it_o then_o for_o grant_v that_o christian_n live_v in_o a_o great_a neglect_n of_o their_o duty_n it_o be_v natural_a to_o inquire_v into_o the_o cause_n of_o this_o corruption_n and_o to_o consider_v what_o remedy_n shall_v be_v apply_v to_o it_o this_o be_v what_o i_o intend_v to_o do_v in_o this_o treatise_n in_o hope_n that_o such_o a_o enquiry_n will_v not_o be_v altogether_o unuseful_a for_o first_o it_o may_v contribute_v to_o maintain_v the_o honour_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o 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those_o who_o shall_v attentive_o and_o without_o prepossession_n consider_v what_o be_v propose_v in_o this_o work_n three_o there_o be_v no_o mean_n more_o likely_a to_o remove_v this_o corruption_n than_o to_o cut_v off_o the_o occasion_n of_o it_o that_o be_v the_o sure_a as_o well_o as_o the_o most_o compendious_a method_n one_o of_o the_o main_a reason_n why_o so_o many_o excellent_a book_n design_v to_o inspire_v man_n with_o a_o love_n of_o religion_n and_o piety_n have_v not_o all_o the_o effect_n that_o may_v be_v expect_v from_o they_o be_v that_o the_o author_n do_v not_o sufficient_o observe_v the_o general_a cause_n of_o the_o depravation_n of_o manner_n it_o be_v to_o little_a purpose_n to_o deplore_v the_o corruption_n of_o the_o age_n to_o exhort_v man_n and_o to_o give_v they_o fine_a lesson_n of_o morality_n the_o work_n of_o reformation_n can_v
fall_v very_o short_a of_o that_o knowledge_n they_o ought_v to_o have_v and_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o for_o the_o most_o part_n they_o live_v in_o shameful_a and_o deplorable_a ignorance_n this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o piety_n be_v so_o much_o want_v among_o they_o and_o why_o they_o be_v so_o deprave_v and_o vicious_a which_o be_v the_o thing_n i_o will_v endeavour_v to_o make_v appear_v in_o order_n to_o this_o as_o the_o christian_a religion_n may_v be_v reduce_v to_o these_o two_o head_n first_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n second_o the_o practice_n of_o holiness_n it_o be_v fit_a to_o inquire_v whether_o with_o respect_n to_o these_o christian_n be_v furnish_v with_o necessary_a information_n i_o shall_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o they_o be_v very_o little_o instruct_v i._o in_o that_o which_o concern_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n and_o ii_o in_o what_o relate_v to_o manner_n and_o to_o the_o duty_n of_o christianity_n the_o reflection_n i_o shall_v bestow_v upon_o both_o these_o head_n will_v i_o hope_v clear_o prove_v that_o among_o those_o vast_a multitude_n of_o man_n who_o profess_v themselves_o christian_n there_o be_v very_o few_o who_o be_v well_o acquaint_v with_o their_o religion_n from_o whence_o it_o will_v be_v natural_a to_o conclude_v that_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v very_o corrupt_a i._o to_o begin_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n we_o must_v distinguish_v two_o sort_n of_o truth_n in_o religion_n the_o general_n and_o the_o particular_a truth_n the_o general_a truth_n be_v those_o upon_o which_o the_o whole_a of_o religion_n be_v found_v such_o as_o these_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n that_o the_o bible_n be_v a_o divine_a book_n and_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v true_a by_o particular_a truth_n i_o mean_v the_o various_a doctrine_n which_o religion_n contain_v and_o which_o be_v the_o part_n of_o it_o but_o which_o at_o the_o same_o time_n depend_v upon_o the_o general_a truth_n as_o upon_o their_o principle_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o sacrament_n of_o justification_n and_o many_o other_o be_v of_o this_o number_n now_o let_v we_o consider_v the_o ignorance_n of_o christian_n in_o reference_n to_o these_o two_o sort_n of_o truth_n 1._o every_o man_n who_o make_v use_v of_o his_o reason_n may_v easy_o apprehend_v that_o the_o general_a truth_n be_v the_o most_o important_a that_o they_o be_v those_o of_o which_o one_o ought_v chief_o to_o be_v persuade_v and_o that_o without_o these_o general_a truth_n the_o particular_a one_o will_v be_v useless_a nay_o will_v not_o be_v so_o much_o as_o truth_n to_o inquire_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o sacrament_n or_o how_o a_o man_n can_v be_v justify_v one_o must_v believe_v first_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o a_o religion_n for_o if_o i_o be_o not_o convince_v of_o the_o existence_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n it_o will_v signify_v little_a to_o i_o whether_o or_o not_o there_o be_v any_o sacrament_n and_o all_o the_o time_n i_o shall_v employ_v in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o this_o enquiry_n will_v be_v lose_v this_o first_o reflection_n do_v already_o discover_v to_o we_o a_o essential_a and_o capital_a defect_n a_o great_a many_o christian_n want_v instruction_n concern_v the_o principle_n and_o foundation_n of_o christianity_n they_o do_v not_o sufficient_o consider_v the_o certainty_n and_o importance_n of_o it_o their_o knowledge_n of_o religion_n do_v seldom_o go_v further_o than_o the_o particular_a truth_n of_o it_o and_o do_v not_o reach_v the_o general_n this_o be_v so_o common_a a_o fault_n that_o it_o may_v be_v observe_v even_o in_o those_o whole_a profession_n it_o be_v to_o study_v religion_n and_o to_o teach_v it_o to_o other_o some_o have_v spend_v the_o best_a part_n of_o their_o life_n in_o the_o study_n of_o divinity_n or_o in_o expound_v the_o scripture_n who_o never_o serious_o examine_v the_o argument_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n or_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o scripture_n some_o be_v master_n of_o the_o principal_a controversy_n which_o divide_v christian_n who_o will_v stand_v mute_a if_o they_o be_v call_v back_o to_o the_o first_o element_n of_o religion_n and_o if_o they_o be_v to_o maintain_v against_o a_o infidel_n that_o there_o be_v a_o religion_n or_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v true_a the_o people_n enter_v yet_o less_o than_o the_o divine_n into_o the_o examination_n of_o the_o general_a truth_n and_o there_o be_v very_o few_o who_o either_o attend_v to_o they_o or_o indeed_o believe_v they_o as_o they_o ought_v and_o yet_o the_o whole_a of_o religion_n depend_v upon_o a_o firm_a persuasion_n concern_v the_o principle_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v that_o which_o render_v the_o particular_a truth_n effectual_a to_o salvation_n and_o which_o beget_v piety_n and_o the_o love_n of_o virtue_n when_o a_o man_n be_v persuade_v that_o religion_n propose_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v certain_a he_o immediate_o receive_v with_o reverence_n whatsoever_o it_o teach_v he_o feel_v a_o inclination_n in_o himself_o to_o observe_v its_o precept_n and_o he_o believe_v a_o judgement_n and_o another_o life_n as_o if_o he_o see_v they_o before_o his_o eye_n such_o be_v the_o efficacy_n of_o a_o true_a faith_n and_o of_o a_o steady_a persuasion_n about_o fundamental_a truth_n but_o without_o this_o persuasion_n it_o be_v very_o hard_a not_o to_o say_v impossible_a to_o adhere_v sincere_o to_o religion_n and_o to_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o it_o and_o this_o be_v the_o constant_a source_n of_o the_o corruption_n of_o christian_n it_o may_v perhaps_o be_v object_v that_o all_o christian_n receive_v the_o general_a truth_n of_o their_o creed_n and_o that_o these_o be_v not_o question_v but_o by_o pagan_n and_o atheist_n upon_o which_o i_o shall_v make_v two_o reflection_n 1._o it_o be_v but_o too_o true_a that_o in_o the_o point_n of_o religion_n there_o be_v at_o this_o day_n a_o great_a number_n of_o person_n who_o entertain_v very_o loose_a opinion_n and_o that_o do_v at_o least_o border_n upon_o atheism_n these_o pernicious_a tenet_n be_v spread_v wide_a than_o some_o people_n think_v not_o only_o the_o libertine_n be_v infect_v with_o they_o but_o even_o the_o common_a people_n all_o the_o profane_a man_n and_o deist_n be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v at_o court_n in_o army_n or_o among_o the_o learned_a there_o be_v some_o in_o town_n among_o the_o vulgar_a and_o even_o among_o country_n clown_n if_o we_o examine_v a_o little_a the_o discourse_n and_o apprehension_n of_o man_n especial_o of_o those_o who_o life_n be_v irregular_a if_o we_o do_v but_o begin_v to_o reason_n with_o they_o and_o press_v they_o we_o may_v soon_o perceive_v the_o principle_n of_o incredulity_n and_o atheism_n in_o many_o of_o they_o it_o will_v be_v find_v that_o they_o be_v not_o thorough_o persuade_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o another_o life_n or_o that_o if_o they_o do_v not_o proceed_v to_o that_o degree_n of_o impiety_n which_o attack_n directly_z the_o very_a foundation_n of_o religion_n they_o harbour_v at_o least_o this_o fancy_n that_o god_n do_v not_o narrow_o observe_v man_n deportment_n that_o he_o will_v not_o be_v so_o severe_a as_o to_o damn_v they_o for_o some_o sin_n they_o have_v commit_v and_o that_o there_o be_v not_o such_o great_a harm_n in_o gratify_v once_o passion_n and_o live_v at_o the_o usual_a rate_n of_o the_o world_n these_o and_o the_o like_a sentiment_n be_v general_a enough_o and_o yet_o they_o lead_v the_o straight_a way_n to_o deism_n and_o tend_v plain_o to_o the_o subversion_n of_o religion_n it_o will_v be_v therefore_o high_o necessary_a in_o order_n to_o root_v out_o such_o dangerous_a error_n careful_o to_o establish_v these_o great_a truth_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n that_o this_o god_n speak_v to_o we_o in_o his_o word_n and_o that_o whatever_o the_o gospel_n tell_v we_o of_o another_o life_n be_v most_o certain_a this_o i_o say_v will_v be_v altogether_o needful_a if_o it_o be_v but_o for_o the_o instruction_n of_o those_o i_o have_v now_o mention_v and_o their_o number_n be_v great_a than_o be_v common_o imagine_v 2_o we_o may_v take_v notice_n that_o though_o christian_n profess_v to_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o religion_n yet_o that_o belief_n be_v not_o lively_a and_o strong_a enough_o in_o they_o all_o it_o be_v beyond_o all_o question_n that_o most_o christian_n be_v so_o only_o because_o they_o be_v engage_v by_o their_o birth_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n but_o that_o after_o all_o they_o know_v very_o little_a of_o the_o truth_n and_o divinity_n of_o it_o they_o will_v in_o like_a manner_n have_v be_v jew_n or_o pagan_n if_o they_o have_v be_v bear_v in_o judaisme_n or_o paganism_n so_o that_o proper_o speak_v they_o can_v be_v say_v to_o
of_o the_o world_n with_o the_o full_a swing_n of_o their_o affection_n but_o as_o to_o religion_n they_o must_v be_v urge_v and_o drive_v and_o it_o be_v much_o if_o they_o can_v be_v bring_v to_o make_v some_o step_n towards_o it_o even_o good_a man_n be_v discourage_v by_o this_o excessive_a severity_n do_v not_o make_v that_o progress_n in_o sanctification_n which_o otherwise_o they_o may_v their_o conscience_n be_v disturb_v with_o troublesome_a scruple_n and_o continual_a fear_n it_o be_v therefore_o very_o necessary_a to_o remove_v this_o prejudice_n by_o represent_v virtue_n and_o piety_n under_o that_o easy_a and_o agreeable_a shape_n which_o be_v natural_a to_o they_o and_o by_o propose_v such_o idea_n of_o religion_n as_o may_v neither_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n produce_v security_n and_o lull_v man_n conscience_n asleep_a nor_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n involve_v they_o in_o groundless_a scruple_n but_o if_o man_n be_v averse_a to_o thing_n austere_a and_o painful_a they_o be_v wont_v likewise_o to_o despise_v those_o who_o they_o think_v have_v somewhat_o what_o in_o they_o that_o be_v mean_a and_o ridiculous_a and_o there_o be_v many_o who_o have_v such_o a_o opinion_n of_o piety_n which_o proceed_v first_o from_o the_o ignorance_n and_o corruption_n of_o man_n who_o because_o they_o be_v not_o well_o acquaint_v with_o religion_n or_o be_v possess_v with_o false_a notion_n of_o honour_n look_v with_o contempt_n upon_o every_o thing_n which_o do_v not_o agree_v with_o the_o prevail_a custom_n and_o maxim_n of_o the_o world_n and_o then_o we_o may_v take_v notice_n beside_o that_o libertine_n do_v sometime_o observe_v either_o in_o that_o religion_n which_o obtain_v in_o the_o society_n wherein_o they_o live_v or_o in_o the_o deportment_n of_o those_o who_o have_v the_o reputation_n of_o be_v devout_a several_a thing_n which_o lead_v they_o into_o this_o opinion_n with_o relation_n to_o doctrine_n they_o find_v certain_a article_n which_o man_n of_o good_a sense_n can_v digest_v and_o they_o perceive_v manifest_a abuse_n in_o the_o worship_n they_o see_v the_o people_n amuse_v with_o childish_a devotion_n which_o savour_n of_o nothing_o else_o but_o superstition_n credulity_n or_o bigotry_n some_o of_o those_o who_o do_v profess_v devotion_n seem_v to_o they_o to_o hold_v opinion_n contrary_a to_o sound_v reason_n and_o to_o have_v some_o odd_a and_o ridiculous_a way_n with_o they_o they_o perhaps_o observe_v in_o the_o minister_n of_o religion_n several_a whimsy_n ignorances_n and_o weakness_n they_o do_v not_o always_o find_v the_o best_a sense_n in_o discourse_n of_o piety_n neither_o do_v they_o think_v the_o idea_n which_o be_v give_v they_o of_o religion_n and_o its_o duty_n to_o be_v true_a rational_a or_o satisfactory_a from_o all_o this_o they_o conclude_v that_o to_o give_v themselves_o up_o to_o it_o will_v be_v a_o disgrace_n to_o they_o that_o it_o be_v calculate_v only_o for_o the_o vulgar_a and_o for_o weak_a mind_n and_o that_o the_o be_v neither_o pious_a nor_o devout_a argue_v a_o strength_n and_o a_o greatness_n of_o soul_n this_o certain_o be_v a_o most_o false_a and_o unjust_a prejudice_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o serious_a nor_o more_o worthy_a of_o esteem_n and_o respect_n than_o religion_n and_o it_o be_v the_o high_a pitch_n of_o injustice_n to_o take_v a_o estimate_n of_o it_o by_o the_o error_n and_o weakness_n of_o men._n but_o yet_o this_o prejudice_n be_v very_o common_a last_o we_o be_v to_o rank_v among_o the_o prejudices_fw-la and_o false_a notion_n of_o man_n concern_v religion_n the_o opinion_n of_o those_o who_o be_v infatuate_v with_o mystical_a piety_n and_o fanaticism_n and_o it_o be_v the_o more_o necessary_a to_o caution_n man_n against_o those_o opinion_n because_o they_o be_v grow_v of_o late_a year_n to_o be_v very_o common_a fanaticism_n spread_v very_o much_o and_o there_o be_v scarce_o a_o country_n in_o europe_n where_o it_o do_v not_o obtain_v under_o various_a denomination_n and_o where_o it_o have_v not_o occasion_v some_o disturbance_n it_o will_v be_v difficult_a to_o give_v here_o a_o exaâ—â—_n account_v of_o mystical_a piety_n and_o fanaticism_n it_o be_v a_o subject_a upon_o which_o we_o can_v speak_v very_o clear_o because_o we_o can_v hardly_o have_v perspicuous_a and_o distinct_a idea_n of_o it_o beside_o that_o the_o mystic_n be_v not_o agree_v among_o themselves_o they_o be_v a_o sect_n which_o be_v subdivide_v almost_o to_o infinity_o for_o not_o to_o mention_v the_o anabaptist_n the_o quaker_n the_o quietist_n and_o all_o those_o who_o come_v up_o to_o the_o height_n of_o fanatical_a extravagance_n there_o be_v many_o particular_a sect_n which_o will_v scorn_v the_o name_n and_o yet_o be_v whole_o or_o in_o part_n possess_v with_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o fanatic_n but_o in_o the_o main_a here_o be_v their_o character_n they_o be_v almost_o all_o agree_v in_o one_o thing_n which_o be_v that_o they_o make_v but_o very_o little_a count_n of_o outward_a mean_n and_o of_o those_o act_n which_o concern_v the_o exterior_a of_o religion_n such_o be_v the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n government_n discipline_n preach_v liturgy_n and_o the_o public_a exercise_n of_o devotion_n all_o these_o if_o we_o believe_v they_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v as_o the_o first_o element_n of_o piety_n which_o be_v useful_a only_o to_o imperfect_a christian_n they_o have_v no_o great_a esteem_n neither_o for_o those_o labour_n and_o study_n by_o which_o man_n endeavour_v to_o acquire_v knowledge_n they_o reason_n little_a about_o religion_n and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n they_o allege_v no_o other_o argument_n for_o the_o article_n of_o their_o belief_n but_o the_o inward_a sense_n they_o have_v of_o they_o they_o do_v not_o condemn_v morality_n and_o goodwork_n but_o among_o themselves_o they_o speak_v but_o feeble_o of_o they_o and_o in_o such_o a_o strain_n as_o lessen_v considerable_o their_o usefulness_n and_o necessity_n they_o say_v that_o our_o work_n be_v nothing_o but_o desilement_n and_o abomination_n that_o god_n do_v not_o look_v upon_o work_n and_o that_o man_n ought_v not_o to_o judge_v of_o his_o condition_n by_o they_o but_o that_o all_o depend_v upon_o faith_n and_o a_o union_n with_o god_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o those_o book_n which_o lie_v a_o great_a stress_n upon_o the_o practice_n of_o christian_a virtue_n do_v not_o relish_v best_o with_o they_o they_o prefer_v contemplation_n meditation_n and_o inward_a recollection_n before_o a_o active_a life_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o morality_n nay_o there_o be_v some_o who_o think_v that_o all_o the_o care_n which_o man_n use_v and_o all_o the_o effort_n that_o they_o make_v to_o advance_v in_o piety_n signify_v but_o little_a according_a to_o they_o the_o way_n to_o perfection_n and_o solid_a virtue_n be_v for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o inaction_n to_o go_v out_o of_o himself_o to_o annihilate_v himself_o to_o have_v neither_o thought_n nor_o desire_n nor_o will_v but_o to_o be_v as_o it_o be_v dead_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n for_o thus_o they_o express_v themselves_o in_o figurative_a and_o mysterious_a word_n under_o pretence_n of_o ascribe_v all_o to_o god_n they_o assert_v that_o man_n be_v a_o mere_a nothing_o and_o a_o abyss_n of_o misery_n that_o in_o order_n to_o be_v happy_a it_o be_v enough_o for_o we_o to_o be_v sensible_a of_o our_o nothingness_n and_o to_o wait_v in_o silence_n and_o tranquillity_n till_o god_n be_v please_v to_o work_v his_o will_n in_o we_o and_o that_o when_o the_o soul_n be_v thus_o in_o the_o state_n of_o inaction_n and_o entire_o abandon_v itself_o to_o god_n than_o it_o be_v that_o god_n speak_v to_o and_o operate_v in_o it_o what_o they_o say_v concern_v man_n nothingness_n do_v not_o hinder_v but_o that_o most_o of_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o perfection_n and_o look_v upon_o the_o rest_n of_o christian_n as_o carnal_a man_n who_o be_v yet_o in_o darkness_n and_o who_o never_o taste_v that_o which_o they_o call_v the_o heavenly_a gift_n i_o may_v relate_v here_o their_o refine_n upon_o divine_a love_n and_o upon_o prayer_n but_o what_o i_o have_v say_v be_v sufficient_a to_o discover_v the_o spirit_n and_o character_n of_o fanaticism_n i_o be_o far_o from_o charge_v all_o those_o who_o hold_v these_o opinion_n with_o hypocrisy_n and_o impiety_n i_o be_o persuade_v that_o there_o be_v good_a man_n among_o they_o who_o be_v not_o sensible_a of_o their_o error_n so_o that_o i_o can_v but_o blame_v the_o severity_n which_o be_v use_v towards_o they_o in_o some_o place_n and_o the_o odious_a imputation_n that_o be_v cast_v upon_o they_o in_o order_n to_o vilify_v they_o all_o without_o distinction_n if_o they_o err_v it_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n through_o weakness_n and_o prepossession_n rather_o than_o through_o malice_n nay_o it_o may_v be_v say_v in_o their_o
not_o be_v very_o large_a upon_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o man_n take_v little_a care_n of_o be_v instruct_v and_o of_o get_v information_n and_o knowledge_n about_o religion_n the_o far_o great_a part_n either_o can_v read_v or_o never_o apply_v themselves_o to_o any_o useful_a instructive_a read_n few_o harken_v to_o the_o instruction_n that_o be_v give_v they_o and_o few_o yet_o examine_v or_o reflect_v upon_o they_o carnal_a lust_n and_o secular_a business_n do_v so_o engross_v they_o that_o they_o seldom_o or_o never_o give_v themselves_o to_o search_v the_o truth_n they_o general_o have_v a_o aversion_n to_o spiritual_a thing_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n they_o will_v rather_o believe_v implicit_o what_o be_v tell_v they_o than_o be_v at_o the_o pain_n of_o inquire_v whether_o it_o be_v true_a or_o not_o and_o they_o be_v every_o whit_n as_o careless_a about_o exercise_n of_o devotion_n many_o will_v think_v it_o a_o punishment_n if_o they_o be_v make_v to_o read_v or_o to_o meditate_v they_o never_o do_v those_o thing_n but_o with_o reluctancy_n and_o as_o seldom_o as_o they_o can_v they_o go_v about_o prayer_n especial_o with_o a_o strange_a indifference_n and_o a_o criminal_a indevotion_n in_o short_a very_o few_o take_v the_o necessary_a care_n to_o preserve_v themselves_o from_o vice_n and_o to_o behave_v themselves_o with_o regularity_n and_o caution_n very_o few_o seek_v the_o opportunity_n of_o do_v good_a and_o avoid_v the_o temptation_n to_o which_o the_o common_a condition_n of_o man_n or_o their_o own_o particular_a circumstance_n expose_v they_o and_o the_o great_a number_n be_v slave_n to_o their_o body_n and_o whole_o take_v up_o with_o earthly_a thing_n one_o of_o the_o most_o sensible_a and_o fatal_a effect_n of_o this_o negligence_n be_v that_o those_o person_n use_v no_o manner_n of_o endeavour_n to_o know_v themselves_o it_o be_v very_o seldom_o if_o ever_o that_o they_o reflect_v upon_o what_o pass_v within_o they_o upon_o their_o thought_n their_o inclination_n the_o motion_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o the_o principle_n they_o act_n upon_o or_o that_o they_o take_v a_o review_n of_o their_o word_n and_o action_n they_o do_v not_o consider_v whether_o they_o have_v within_o they_o the_o character_n of_o good_a man_n or_o of_o wicked_a and_o hypocritical_a person_n in_o a_o word_n almost_o all_o of_o they_o live_v without_o reflection_n man_n carelessness_n about_o religion_n be_v there_o fore_o extreme_o great_a but_o they_o proceed_v otherwise_o in_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n about_o which_o they_o be_v as_o active_a and_o laborious_a as_o they_o be_v lazy_a and_o cold_a in_o reference_n to_o true_a piety_n they_o will_v do_v every_o thing_n for_o their_o body_n and_o nothing_o for_o their_o soul_n they_o spare_v no_o industry_n or_o diligence_n they_o omit_v nothing_o to_o promote_v their_o temporal_a concern_v if_o we_o be_v to_o judge_v by_o their_o conduct_n we_o will_v think_v that_o the_o supreme_a good_a be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o earthly_a advantage_n and_o that_o salvation_n be_v the_o least_o important_a of_o all_o thing_n i_o need_v not_o say_v what_o effect_n such_o a_o negligence_n must_v produce_v the_o great_a part_n of_o christian_n be_v ignorant_a in_o their_o duty_n have_v no_o knowledge_n of_o themselves_o decline_v the_o use_n of_o those_o mean_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v and_o without_o which_o he_o declare_v that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v save_v and_o wear_v out_o their_o life_n in_o this_o ignorance_n and_o sloth_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v imagine_v that_o they_o can_v have_v any_o religion_n or_o piety_n and_o so_o there_o must_v be_v a_o general_a corruption_n among_o they_o i_o say_v it_o must_v be_v so_o unless_o god_n shall_v work_v miracle_n or_o rather_o change_v the_o nature_n of_o man_n and_o invert_v the_o order_n and_o the_o law_n which_o he_o have_v establish_v but_o because_o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o christian_n do_v not_o live_v like_o atheist_n and_o that_o their_o negligence_n be_v not_o so_o great_a as_o i_o represent_v it_o let_v we_o consider_v a_o little_a what_o sort_n of_o care_n they_o bestow_v upon_o the_o concern_v of_o their_o soul_n certain_o there_o be_v some_o person_n who_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o this_o negligence_n but_o except_v these_o what_o be_v it_o which_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n do_v in_o order_n to_o their_o salvation_n very_o little_a or_o nothing_o they_o pray_v they_o assist_v sometime_o at_o divine_a service_n and_o at_o the_o public_a exercise_n of_o religion_n they_o hear_v sermon_n they_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n and_o they_o perform_v some_o other_o duty_n of_o this_o nature_n this_o be_v all_o which_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o great_a part_n amount_v to_o but_o first_o these_o be_v not_o only_o the_o duty_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v practise_v there_o be_v other_o which_z be_v not_o less_o essential_a and_o which_o yet_o be_v general_o neglect_v such_o as_o meditation_n read_v self-examination_n to_o say_v nothing_o here_o of_o the_o duty_n of_o sanctificatification_n so_o that_o if_o some_o act_n of_o religion_n be_v perform_v other_o be_v quite_o omit_v the_o reason_n of_o this_o proceed_v may_v easy_o be_v discover_v there_o be_v a_o law_n and_o a_o custom_n which_o oblige_v all_o person_n to_o some_o act_n of_o religion_n to_o pray_v to_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n and_o to_o go_v now_o and_o then_o to_o church_n if_o a_o man_n shall_v entire_o neglect_v these_o external_a duty_n he_o will_v be_v think_v a_o atheist_n but_o there_o be_v neither_o custom_n nor_o law_n nor_o worldly_a decency_n which_o oblige_v a_o man_n to_o meditate_v to_o examine_v his_o own_o conscience_n or_o to_o watch_v over_o his_o conduct_n and_o therefore_o these_o duty_n be_v leave_v to_o every_o one_o direction_n be_v very_o little_o observe_v as_o to_o the_o other_o duty_n which_o christian_n form_n in_o some_o measure_n the_o want_n of_o sincerity_n in_o they_o do_v most_o common_o turn_v they_o into_o so_o many_o act_n of_o hypocrisy_n they_o perhaps_o say_v some_o prayer_n in_o the_o morning_n but_o this_o be_v do_v without_o devotion_n hasty_o with_o distraction_n and_o weariness_n and_o only_o to_o get_v rid_v of_o it_o after_o they_o think_v no_o more_o of_o god_n all_o the_o day_n but_o be_v altogether_o busy_v about_o the_o world_n and_o their_o passion_n and_o in_o the_o evening_n they_o pray_v with_o great_a wander_a of_o thought_n than_o in_o the_o morning_n if_o it_o so_o fall_v out_o that_o they_o go_v to_o church_n or_o hear_v a_o sermon_n they_o do_v not_o give_v a_o quarter_n of_o a_o hour_n close_a attention_n to_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v say_v or_o do_v in_o the_o public_a assembly_n in_o many_o place_n the_o whole_a devotion_n of_o the_o people_n consist_v in_o be_v present_a at_o some_o sermon_n which_o be_v as_o little_a insructive_a as_o they_o be_v mind_v or_o hearken_v to_o the_o use_n which_o be_v make_v of_o the_o sacrament_n especial_o of_o the_o eucharist_n convert_v they_o into_o vain_a ceremony_n and_o make_v they_o rather_o obstacle_n than_o help_v to_o salvation_n as_o to_o the_o mortify_n of_o the_o body_n by_o reasonable_a abstinence_n fast_v and_o retirement_n it_o be_v a_o unknown_a duty_n the_o indifference_n of_o christian_n be_v therefore_o but_o too_o palpable_a what_o they_o do_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o religion_n be_v very_o little_a and_o yet_o they_o do_v that_o little_a so_o ill_a that_o it_o be_v not_o much_o more_o beneficial_a to_o they_o than_o if_o they_o do_v nothing_o at_o all_o and_o now_o what_o may_v not_o be_v say_v if_o after_o have_v thus_o show_v that_o what_o man_n do_v for_o their_o salvation_n be_v next_o to_o nothing_o i_o shall_v undertake_v to_o prove_v that_o they_o do_v almost_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a for_o their_o damnation_n and_o that_o they_o be_v as_o zealous_a and_o industrious_a for_o their_o ruin_n as_o they_o be_v slothful_a and_o negligent_a in_o what_o be_v requisite_a to_o preserve_v they_o there_o be_v mean_n to_o corrupt_a as_o well_o as_o to_o sanctify_v ourselves_o the_o mean_n of_o corruption_n and_o perdition_n be_v ignorance_n want_v of_o attention_n neglect_v of_o devotion_n the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o the_o flesh_n unruly_a passion_n temptation_n and_o ill_a example_n now_o suppose_v that_o a_o man_n be_v so_o monstrous_o frantic_a as_o to_o form_v the_o design_n of_o damn_v himself_o what_o will_v such_o a_o man_n do_v he_o will_v neglect_v the_o exercise_n of_o devotion_n he_o will_v not_o pray_v at_o all_o or_o he_o will_v pray_v only_o with_o his_o lip_n he_o will_v profane_v the_o sacrament_n by_o a_o unsanctify_v use_n of_o they_o he_o will_v only_o mind_v his_o body_n and_o this_o present_a life_n he_o will_v give_v loose_a reins_o to_o
different_a profession_n among_o man_n that_o some_o shall_v cultivate_v the_o earth_n that_o other_o shall_v apply_v themselves_o to_o art_n and_o trade_n and_o that_o other_o shall_v exercise_v magistracy_n or_o traffic_n the_o difference_n of_o sex_n age_n condition_n and_o other_o circumstance_n create_v a_o great_a variety_n in_o relation_n to_o particular_a calling_n now_o this_o diversity_n of_o employ_v and_o condition_n be_v innocent_a in_o itself_o the_o world_n subsist_v and_o society_n be_v preserve_v by_o it_o but_o yet_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o disorder_n which_o happen_v in_o the_o world_n proceed_v from_o the_o kind_n of_o life_n which_o man_n choose_v and_o from_o the_o particular_a state_n they_o be_v in_o and_o that_o because_o they_o abuse_v it_o and_o do_v not_o demean_v themselves_o in_o it_o with_o caution_n and_o prudence_n the_o proof_n of_o this_o shall_v conclude_v the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o treatise_n but_o here_o we_o be_v to_o use_v some_o distinction_n there_o be_v calling_n which_o be_v bad_a in_o themselves_o and_o other_o which_o be_v lawful_a and_o innocent_a they_o be_v not_o all_o therefore_o equal_o dangerous_a and_o some_o produce_v corruption_n more_o necessary_o than_o other_o all_o profession_n or_o calling_n be_v not_o lawful_a some_o be_v unlawful_a and_o criminal_a the_o world_n be_v full_a of_o people_n who_o make_v sin_n itself_o their_o ordinary_a call_v and_o profession_n there_o be_v infinite_a number_n who_o instead_o of_o follow_v a_o honest_a employment_n subsist_v only_o by_o the_o sin_n which_o they_o commit_v themselves_o or_o which_o they_o make_v other_o commit_v this_o may_v easy_o be_v prove_v by_o abundance_n of_o instance_n how_o many_o be_v there_o who_o trade_n be_v a_o constant_a practice_n of_o obscenity_n lewdness_n and_o debauchery_n of_o artifice_n and_o intrigue_n lie_v and_o knavery_n how_o many_o be_v there_o who_o be_v profess_v usurer_n and_o cheat_n who_o be_v always_o employ_v in_o act_n of_o injustice_n cruelty_n and_o violence_n nay_o there_o be_v society_n form_v for_o that_o purpose_n the_o trade_n of_o robe_v of_o punish_v the_o innocent_a and_o that_o by_o commit_v rapine_n by_o sea_n and_o land_n be_v erect_v into_o a_o honourable_a and_o lawful_a employment_n many_o person_n be_v suffer_v at_o this_o day_n among_o christian_n who_o profession_n be_v former_o count_v infamous_a many_o be_v tolerate_v who_o be_v only_a minister_n of_o voluptuousness_n and_o who_o only_a business_n it_o be_v to_o introduce_v licentiousness_n of_o manner_n to_o corrupt_v the_o youth_n by_o train_v they_o up_o to_o the_o love_n of_o pleasure_n and_o to_o a_o luxurious_a and_o effeminate_a life_n and_o to_o furnish_v those_o who_o be_v incline_v to_o debauchery_n sensuality_n idleness_n or_o game_n with_o the_o mean_n to_o gratify_v their_o inclination_n now_o all_o these_o profession_n be_v not_o only_o inseparable_a from_o sin_n but_o they_o likewise_o make_v way_n for_o all_o kind_n of_o vice_n among_o christian_n we_o ought_v to_o pass_v almost_o the_o same_o judgement_n upon_o the_o way_n of_o live_v of_o those_o who_o without_o make_v a_o public_a profession_n of_o vice_n propose_v no_o other_o end_n to_o themselves_o in_o this_o world_n but_o the_o please_a of_o their_o appetite_n some_o have_v no_o other_o view_n than_o to_o enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o life_n and_o they_o level_v their_o whole_a conduct_n at_o that_o mark._n other_o desire_v to_o grow_v rich_a or_o to_o raise_v themselves_o to_o honour_n make_v no_o scruple_n of_o use_v all_o the_o mean_n which_o interest_n ambition_n and_o injustice_n have_v establish_v in_o the_o world_n they_o make_v use_v of_o fraud_n violence_n and_o extortion_n it_o be_v their_o maxim_n and_o their_o study_n to_o dissemble_v their_o sentiment_n and_o to_o do_v mischief_n to_o those_o who_o stand_v in_o their_o way_n in_o a_o word_n they_o betake_v themselves_o to_o every_o thing_n that_o may_v further_o the_o success_n of_o their_o design_n such_o a_o method_n of_o life_n be_v manifest_o contrary_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n and_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v high_o sinful_a since_o both_o the_o end_n of_o it_o and_o the_o mean_v use_v to_o obtain_v that_o end_n be_v so_o there_o be_v other_o kind_n of_o life_n which_o do_v not_o seem_v altogether_o so_o bad_a and_o yet_o be_v not_o much_o better_a this_o may_v particular_o be_v say_v of_o idleness_n the_o profession_n of_o many_o be_v to_o have_v none_o at_o all_o and_o to_o be_v as_o little_o employ_v as_o they_o can_v they_o think_v it_o the_o happy_a of_o all_o condition_n to_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v and_o to_o live_v at_o rest_n and_o free_a from_o action_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v unworthy_a of_o a_o man_n and_o much_o more_o of_o a_o christian_a to_o be_v useless_a in_o the_o world_n and_o if_o this_o idleness_n be_v shameful_a and_o culpable_a in_o itself_o it_o be_v much_o more_o so_o in_o its_o effect_n and_o consequence_n it_o betray_v man_n into_o frivolous_a or_o dangerous_a pastime_n for_o a_o man_n can_v be_v perfect_o idle_a the_o want_n of_o useful_a business_n must_v be_v supply_v with_o amusement_n and_o those_o amusement_n be_v general_o sinful_a thus_o we_o see_v multitude_n of_o people_n who_o except_v the_o time_n which_o they_o must_v needs_o bestow_v upon_o the_o necessity_n of_o nature_n and_o upon_o some_o external_a and_o indispensable_a act_n of_o religion_n consume_v the_o best_a part_n of_o their_o life_n at_o play_n or_o in_o diversion_n in_o unprofitable_a read_n and_o conversation_n in_o meet_v company_n in_o receive_v or_o return_v visit_n or_o in_o other_o such_o thing_n which_o though_o they_o be_v think_v innocent_a yet_o they_o enervate_v the_o mind_n they_o devour_v time_n they_o enslave_v a_o man_n to_o the_o opinion_n and_o mode_n of_o the_o world_n and_o they_o make_v he_o most_o frequent_o transgress_v the_o law_n of_o religion_n it_o will_v not_o be_v difficult_a to_o apply_v this_o to_o profess_a gamester_n to_o those_o who_o spend_v their_o time_n in_o trifle_a discourse_n and_o impertinent_a visit_n and_o to_o many_o other_o person_n i_o may_v easy_o show_v if_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o such_o a_o life_n have_v little_a of_o christianity_n in_o it_o and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o to_o blame_v than_o be_v common_o believe_v thus_o man_n follow_v divers_a kind_n of_o life_n which_o be_v essential_o bad_a and_o wherein_o by_o consequence_n purity_n of_o heart_n and_o innocency_n of_o life_n can_v be_v preserve_v as_o to_o those_o kind_n of_o life_n and_o occupation_n which_o be_v lawful_a i_o may_v observe_v in_o the_o first_o place_n that_o for_o the_o most_o part_n man_n be_v too_o much_o wed_v to_o they_o and_o that_o they_o common_o abuse_v they_o but_o i_o will_v not_o press_v this_o consideration_n have_v show_v already_o in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n that_o too_o great_a application_n to_o temporal_a affair_n rob_v man_n both_o of_o the_o time_n and_o of_o that_o inclination_n and_o freedom_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o mind_n spiritual_a thing_n and_o that_o it_o make_v they_o dull_a earthly-minded_n sensual_a and_o slave_n to_o their_o passion_n to_o speak_v then_o only_o of_o what_o concern_v particular_a calling_n i_o shall_v observe_v these_o two_o general_a fault_n 1._o it_o be_v a_o great_a mischief_n that_o man_n embrace_v profession_n which_o be_v not_o fit_a for_o they_o every_o profession_n require_v some_o particular_a qualification_n and_o talent_n and_o since_o all_o man_n have_v not_o those_o qualification_n it_o follow_v that_o all_o man_n be_v not_o fit_a for_o all_o employment_n and_o that_o distinction_n and_o choice_n be_v to_o be_v use_v in_o pitch_v upon_o a_o profession_n the_o welfare_n of_o society_n and_o of_o particular_a person_n do_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n depend_v upon_o that_o choice_n if_o no_o care_n be_v take_v of_o this_o employment_n must_v be_v ill_o discharge_v and_o from_o thence_o a_o great_a many_o disorder_n will_v arise_v both_o in_o church_n and_o state_n now_o if_o we_o take_v a_o survey_n of_o the_o different_a calling_n which_o man_n be_v engage_v in_o we_o will_v find_v that_o they_o be_v often_o destitute_a of_o those_o qualification_n which_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o right_a discharge_n of_o they_o and_o the_o worst_a of_o it_o be_v that_o this_o happen_v in_o the_o most_o considerable_a employment_n and_o in_o those_o which_o may_v contribute_v most_o to_o the_o preserve_n of_o order_n and_o the_o encourage_n of_o virtue_n in_o the_o world_n as_o to_o profession_n of_o lesser_a importance_n the_o choice_n be_v much_o easy_a every_o body_n almost_o be_v capable_a of_o they_o and_o the_o fault_n which_o may_v be_v commit_v there_o be_v not_o of_o great_a consequence_n if_o a_o husbandman_n do_v not_o well_o understand_v
his_o business_n or_o a_o mechanic_n his_o trade_n no_o great_a inconveniency_n will_v ensue_v from_o thence_o in_o relation_n to_o society_n but_o when_o public_a employment_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n who_o be_v not_o qualify_v for_o they_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o tell_v how_o much_o mischief_n be_v occasion_v by_o it_o be_v it_o not_o for_o instance_n a_o lamentable_a thing_n that_o so_o many_o person_n shall_v dedicate_v themselves_o to_o the_o church_n who_o want_v the_o talent_n requisite_a for_o so_o high_a a_o function_n and_o that_o so_o many_o who_o may_v do_v great_a service_n in_o that_o profession_n do_v not_o embrace_v it_o by_o this_o it_o happen_v that_o some_o of_o those_o who_o be_v place_v at_o the_o helm_n in_o several_a church_n want_v both_o learning_n and_o probity_n and_o that_o religion_n be_v very_o ill_o administer_v so_o that_o the_o people_n be_v without_o instruction_n or_o conduct_n live_v in_o ignorance_n and_o disorder_n the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o office_n of_o magistrate_n when_o it_o be_v entrust_v to_o those_o who_o be_v not_o proper_a for_o it_o 2._o lawful_a calling_n may_v prove_v great_a occasion_n of_o corruption_n and_o disorder_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o those_o who_o embrace_v they_o and_o of_o the_o public_a when_o they_o be_v ill_o exercise_v when_o the_o duty_n annex_v to_o they_o be_v neglect_v when_o man_n do_v not_o watch_v against_o the_o temptation_n which_o be_v particular_a to_o they_o and_o when_o they_o look_v upon_o they_o only_o as_o mean_n to_o gratify_v their_o inclination_n to_o get_v money_n to_o have_v a_o rank_n to_o gain_v credit_n or_o to_o humour_v some_o other_o passion_n i_o may_v enter_v here_o upon_o many_o particular_n but_o because_o this_o will_v lead_v i_o too_o far_o i_o shall_v confine_v myself_o to_o a_o few_o instance_n it_o will_v be_v very_o proper_a to_o speak_v here_o of_o the_o profession_n of_o churchman_n and_o of_o the_o office_n of_o prince_n magistrate_n and_o judge_n and_o to_o show_v how_o pernicious_a both_o these_o kind_n of_o life_n prove_v often_o not_o only_o to_o those_o who_o be_v raise_v to_o they_o but_o likewise_o to_o church_n and_o state_n but_o these_o two_o article_n be_v of_o too_o great_a moment_n to_o be_v touch_v upon_o only_o by_o the_o by_o they_o be_v two_o general_a spring_n of_o corruption_n which_o deserve_v to_o be_v purposely_o handle_v and_o which_o be_v to_o have_v a_o place_n in_o the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o book_n the_o profession_n of_o military_a man_n be_v a_o kind_n of_o life_n which_o corrupt_v vast_a multitude_n i_o do_v not_o condemn_v the_o profession_n in_o general_n it_o be_v lawful_a a_o man_n may_v live_v in_o it_o like_o a_o christian_a and_o there_o be_v person_n in_o military_a employment_n of_o a_o solid_a virtue_n and_o a_o exemplary_a piety_n but_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o the_o number_n of_o those_o person_n be_v not_o great_a and_o that_o for_o the_o generality_n the_o maxim_n and_o deportment_n of_o the_o man_n of_o that_o profession_n agree_v very_o little_a with_o the_o rule_n of_o christianity_n those_o who_o follow_v the_o employment_n of_o war_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n man_n of_o loose_a and_o vicious_a principle_n every_o body_n know_v that_o if_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n some_o good_a man_n be_v find_v to_o embrace_v this_o profession_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n it_o be_v the_o ordinary_a receptacle_n and_o the_o last_o shift_n of_o idle_a and_o debauch_a people_n and_o of_o those_o who_o be_v overwhelm_v with_o poverty_n and_o misery_n beside_o how_o do_v man_n live_v in_o that_o profession_n save_v some_o few_o disorder_n which_o military_a discipline_n do_v not_o allow_v of_o every_o thing_n be_v lawful_a there_o i_o speak_v of_o what_o be_v common_o observe_v to_o spend_v their_o life_n in_o idleness_n and_o game_n be_v the_o least_o fault_n of_o soldier_n lewdness_n be_v a_o thing_n about_o which_o no_o great_a scruple_n be_v make_v among_o they_o the_o same_o may_v almost_o be_v say_v of_o injustice_n it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o common_o officer_n do_v not_o thrive_v but_o the_o soldier_n pay_v for_o it_o i_o say_v nothing_o of_o unjust_a war_n nor_o of_o the_o cruelty_n and_o inhumanity_n which_o often_o attend_v that_o kind_n of_o life_n because_o i_o will_v not_o enlarge_v upon_o this_o subject_a but_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a and_o every_o consider_a person_n will_v own_v that_o after_o the_o rate_n that_o military_a man_n live_v almost_o every_o where_n war_n be_v the_o school_n of_o vice_n and_o that_o the_o prodigious_a number_n of_o those_o who_o follow_v that_o employment_n be_v one_o of_o the_o principal_a cause_n of_o corruption_n and_o debauchery_n commerce_n be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o lawful_a and_o necessary_a profession_n of_o life_n not_o only_o society_n but_o religion_n itself_o may_v reap_v great_a advantage_n from_o it_o but_o yet_o this_o call_v have_v its_o danger_n and_o temptation_n and_o it_o be_v exercise_v by_o many_o in_o a_o way_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o good_a conscience_n as_o the_o only_a end_n of_o traffic_n be_v gain_n and_o as_o the_o opportunity_n of_o get_v by_o unlawful_a method_n which_o may_v be_v practise_v with_o impunity_n offer_v themselves_o every_o day_n so_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o if_o a_o merchant_n have_v not_o a_o strict_a and_o well-informed_n conscience_n and_o virtue_n enough_o to_o resist_v the_o perpetual_a temptation_n to_o which_o his_o call_v expose_v he_o he_o will_v forfeit_v his_o innocence_n and_o violate_v every_o minute_n the_o rule_n of_o justice_n and_o equity_n of_o charity_n truth_n and_o honesty_n there_o be_v few_o calling_n more_o innocent_a and_o more_o suitable_a to_o the_o order_n which_o god_n do_v establish_v at_o first_o than_o the_o employment_n of_o those_o who_o exercise_n mechanic_n trade_n and_o get_v their_o livelihood_n by_o bodily_a labour_n and_o yet_o this_o kind_n of_o life_n prove_v to_o a_o great_a many_o a_o occasion_n to_o vice_n because_o they_o do_v not_o arm_v themselves_o against_o the_o temptation_n and_o sin_n which_o be_v ordinary_a in_o those_o calling_n it_o be_v almost_o the_o general_a character_n of_o this_o order_n of_o man_n to_o mind_v nothing_o but_o the_o world_n to_o labour_v only_o for_o their_o body_n and_o to_o do_v nothing_o for_o their_o soul_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o they_o be_v ignorant_a that_o they_o know_v their_o religion_n very_o little_a that_o they_o be_v gross_a sensual_a give_v to_o intemperance_n and_o several_a other_o excess_n they_o be_v apt_a beside_o to_o be_v unjust_a and_o false_a they_o make_v no_o conscience_n of_o do_v their_o work_n ill_o of_o lie_v and_o detain_v what_o be_v not_o they_o there_o be_v a_o thousand_o petty_a fraud_n and_o little_a knavish_a trick_n use_v in_o every_o trade_n which_o be_v think_v innocent_a and_o lawful_a way_n of_o gain_n now_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o all_o this_o do_v not_o contribute_v a_o little_a towards_o corruption_n what_o i_o have_v say_v of_o the_o employment_n of_o life_n may_v be_v apply_v to_o the_o different_a state_n man_n be_v in_o with_o relation_n to_o age_n condition_n and_o their_o way_n of_o live_v all_o these_o be_v so_o many_o occasion_n and_o circumstance_n which_o may_v divert_v they_o from_o their_o duty_n thus_o youth_n have_v its_o particular_a temptation_n young_a people_n be_v vain_a presumptuous_a sensual_a give_v to_o pleasure_n violent_a and_o bold_a in_o their_o passion_n they_o be_v likewise_o imprudent_a and_o fickle_a because_o they_o want_v knowledge_n and_o experience_n be_v thus_o dispose_v at_o that_o age_n they_o will_v almost_o infallible_o unless_o prevent_v by_o a_o good_a education_n corrupt_v themselves_o and_o contract_v ill_a habit_n which_o will_v stick_v by_o they_o as_o long_o as_o they_o live_v daily_o experience_n show_v we_o that_o youth_n ill_o spend_v be_v the_o source_n of_o the_o corruption_n of_o a_o great_a many_o for_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o whole_a life_n old_a people_n be_v common_o covetous_a morose_n suspicious_a wed_v to_o the_o opinion_n they_o have_v once_o embrace_v and_o most_o deep_o engage_v in_o their_o vicious_a custom_n their_o passion_n be_v not_o so_o boisterous_a but_o they_o be_v more_o last_a and_o hard_a to_o be_v cure_v than_o those_o of_o young_a people_n and_o from_o this_o we_o may_v judge_v that_o if_o reason_n and_o religion_n do_v not_o correct_v those_o fault_n of_o old_a people_n that_o age_n which_o ought_v chief_o to_o be_v employ_v in_o prepare_v for_o death_n will_v prove_v a_o obstacle_n to_o piety_n and_o salvation_n the_o rich_a as_o st._n paul_n observe_v *_o 17._o 1_o tim._n v._o 17._o be_v proud_a and_o high-minded_a they_o be_v apt_a beside_o to_o be_v slothful_a they_o love_v to_o satisfy_v their_o passion_n be_v full_a of_o self-love_n
uncertainty_n and_o obscurity_n in_o a_o religion_n where_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o controversy_n and_o different_a opinion_n the_o want_n of_o union_n be_v then_o a_o most_o considerable_a imperfection_n in_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o some_o remedy_n may_v be_v apply_v to_o so_o great_a a_o evil_a and_o that_o those_o controversy_n which_o produce_v and_o cherish_v it_o may_v be_v turn_v out_o of_o door_n the_o way_n to_o compass_v this_o will_v be_v to_o endeavour_v in_o good_a earnest_n the_o reform_v of_o manner_n and_o the_o restore_n of_o order_n this_o great_a and_o noble_a design_n will_v no_o soon_o be_v pursue_v but_o man_n will_v be_v ashamed_a of_o all_o these_o contention_n they_o will_v look_v upon_o they_o as_o trifle_a amusement_n and_o find_v no_o relish_n in_o those_o dispute_n which_o to_o say_v the_o truth_n do_v only_o employ_v such_o person_n as_o be_v conceit_v with_o vain_a learning_n and_o narrow-spirited_n man_n who_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o large_a and_o high_a view_v iv_o if_o we_o examine_v the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o church_n with_o relation_n to_o order_n there_o we_o must_v ingenuous_o confess_v that_o great_a defect_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o matter_n of_o order_n and_o discipline_n christian_n ought_v to_o regulate_v themselves_o first_o by_o the_o law_n which_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v set_v they_o and_o then_o by_o the_o example_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o of_o the_o pure_a antiquity_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o what_o have_v be_v practise_v in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n and_o do_v beside_o agree_v with_o the_o rule_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v have_v a_o great_a regard_n pay_v to_o it_o by_o all_o christian_n now_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o most_o church_n have_v considerable_o depart_v from_o that_o ancient_a order_n to_o prove_v this_o by_o some_o instance_n it_o be_v certain_a in_o fact_n that_o the_o ecclesiastical_a order_n and_o government_n which_o obtain_v in_o many_o place_n be_v not_o such_o as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v none_o caâ—n_v be_v ignorant_a of_o this_o but_o those_o who_o be_v altogether_o unacquainted_a with_o antiquity_n or_o who_o be_v full_a of_o prejudices_fw-la find_v what_o they_o please_v in_o scripture_n and_o church-history_n can_v it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o election_n of_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n be_v canonical_a as_o they_o be_v manage_v in_o many_o place_n arid_a that_o the_o practice_n and_o order_n establish_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o primitive_a christian_n be_v observe_v every_o where_o it_o be_v certain_a likewise_o that_o all_o church_n be_v not_o furnish_v with_o a_o sufficient_a number_n of_o person_n to_o perform_v divine-service_n and_o to_o instruct_v and_o edify_v the_o people_n when_o we_o look_v back_o upon_o the_o primitive_a church_n we_o find_v that_o though_o it_o be_v poor_a and_o persecute_v yet_o it_o have_v its_o bishop_n its_o priest_n its_o catechist_n and_o its_o widow_n at_o this_o time_n we_o see_v yet_o in_o several_a place_n that_o one_o single_a town_n maintain_v a_o great_a number_n of_o churchman_n who_o indeed_o for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v very_o insignificant_a but_o elsewhere_o it_o be_v quite_o otherwise_o one_o single_a man_n do_v often_o perform_v all_o the_o ecclesiastical_a function_n nay_o sometime_o many_o church_n have_v but_o one_o pastor_n this_o disorder_n as_o well_o as_o many_o other_o proceed_v partly_o from_o the_o want_n of_o necessary_a mean_n and_o fund_n to_o supply_v the_o occasion_n of_o all_o church_n here_o it_o may_v be_v proper_a to_o speak_v of_o the_o pastoral_a function_n and_o of_o the_o administration_n of_o discipline_n but_o these_o two_o head_n be_v important_a i_o reserve_v what_o i_o have_v to_o say_v about_o they_o for_o the_o two_o next_o chapter_n we_o ought_v here_o not_o to_o omit_v the_o want_n of_o union_n and_o correspondence_n among_o church_n if_o they_o have_v more_o communication_n and_o intercourse_n one_o with_o another_o great_a advantage_n will_v follow_v from_o thence_o right_o measure_n may_v be_v take_v for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o people_n and_o for_o the_o redress_v of_o abuse_n and_o scandal_n that_o uniformity_n which_o be_v so_o necessary_a both_o in_o worship_n and_o in_o church-government_n and_o discipline_n may_v be_v establish_v and_o that_o will_v contribute_v much_o to_o the_o honour_n and_o safety_n of_o religion_n in_o general_n the_o church_n will_v appear_v then_o like_o a_o well-ordered_a society_n and_o like_o one_o body_n of_o which_o all_o the_o part_n shall_v maintain_v a_o relation_n to_o and_o a_o strict_a dependence_n upon_o one_o another_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n it_o be_v a_o great_a unhappiness_n when_o church_n have_v little_a or_o no_o intercourse_n or_o communication_n one_o with_o another_o so_o that_o every_o one_o order_n its_o matter_n and_o custom_n the_o form_n of_o its_o worship_n and_o government_n within_o itself_o thus_o in_o many_o respect_n it_o will_v be_v easy_a to_o show_v that_o thing_n be_v not_o altogether_o regulate_v in_o the_o church_n as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v with_o relation_n to_o order_n man_n be_v not_o sensible_a of_o these_o defect_n because_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o judge_v of_o religious_a matter_n by_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o present_a time_n and_o by_o the_o custom_n of_o their_o respective_a country_n beside_o that_o antiquity_n be_v but_o little_o know_v and_o yet_o these_o defect_n contribute_v more_o than_o be_v common_o imagine_v to_o the_o decay_n of_o piety_n and_o zeal_n the_o want_n of_o order_n in_o any_o society_n do_v most_o certain_o bring_v confusion_n and_o licentiousness_n into_o it_o v._o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v the_o end_n and_o the_o essence_n of_o religion_n we_o can_v but_o inquire_v whether_o all_o thing_n be_v well_o regulate_v with_o relation_n to_o that_o to_o speak_v here_o only_o of_o the_o public_a worship_n it_o will_v be_v very_o necessary_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v perform_v every_o where_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n that_o the_o people_n may_v understand_v the_o most_o essential_a part_n of_o religion_n and_o divine_a worship_n to_o be_v adoration_n praise_n and_o the_o invocation_n of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o discharge_n of_o these_o duty_n be_v the_o end_n of_o public_a assembly_n i_o remark_n this_o particular_o because_o in_o many_o place_n devotion_n be_v place_v only_o in_o the_o hear_n of_o sermon_n church_n be_v proper_o nothing_o else_o but_o auditory_n people_n fancy_n that_o sermon_n be_v the_o chief_a thing_n they_o meet_v for_o and_o that_o preach_v be_v the_o principle_n function_n to_o be_v exercise_v by_o minister_n in_o the_o church_n the_o prayer_n and_o the_o psalm_n be_v look_v upon_o only_a as_o preliminary_n or_o circumstance_n to_o a_o sermon_n this_o be_v a_o dangerous_a notion_n because_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n it_o make_v christian_n neglect_n divine_a service_n and_o on_o the_o other_o it_o render_v religion_n contemptible_a when_o sermon_n be_v not_o so_o edify_v as_o they_o shall_v be_v which_o happen_v but_o too_o often_o and_o therefore_o it_o will_v not_o perhaps_o be_v amiss_o if_o as_o it_o be_v practise_v in_o several_a church_n divine_a service_n be_v distinguish_v from_o sermon_n by_o some_o circumstance_n of_o time_n or_o person_n so_o that_o it_o may_v be_v one_o thing_n to_o celebrate_v divine_a service_n and_o another_o to_o hear_v sermon_n several_a reflection_n may_v be_v offer_v here_o concern_v the_o principal_a thing_n relate_v to_o public_a worship_n such_o as_o form_n of_o prayer_n liturgy_n the_o manner_n of_o praise_v god_n and_o sacred_a hymn_n it_o will_v be_v a_o question_n worth_a the_o examine_n whether_o we_o ought_v in_o christian_a church_n to_o use_v only_a psalm_n and_o canticle_n out_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n among_o which_o though_o some_o be_v most_o edify_a and_o full_a of_o excellent_a expression_n of_o piety_n yet_o there_o be_v many_o which_o relate_v altogether_o to_o some_o particular_a passage_n of_o those_o time_n or_o if_o they_o speak_v of_o christ_n it_o be_v only_o in_o a_o prophetical_a style_n very_o obscure_a to_o the_o people_n one_o will_v think_v that_o christian_a hymn_n which_o shall_v be_v sing_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n chief_o to_o celebrate_v the_o wonder_n of_o our_o redemption_n may_v be_v extraordinary_a useful_a to_o nourish_v piety_n and_o to_o stir_v up_o devotion_n as_o well_o as_o more_o agreeable_a to_o that_o which_o the_o apostle_n prescribe_v and_o which_o the_o primitve_n christian_n practise_v in_o their_o assembly_n will_v it_o not_o likewise_o be_v necessary_a to_o agree_v about_o give_v the_o holy_a sacrament_n to_o sick_a and_o die_a person_n and_o to_o restore_v the_o more_o frequent_a use_n of_o the_o eucharist_n acpord_v to_o the_o
practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o of_o the_o primitive_a church_n fast_v being_n enjoin_v by_o our_o saviour_n and_o establish_v by_o the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o by_o the_o universal_a practice_n of_o the_o first_o christian_n and_o of_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n for_o several_a age_n there_o be_v reason_n to_o wonder_v that_o in_o some_o place_n this_o duty_n shall_v be_v almost_o out_o of_o date_n for_o as_o to_o solemn_a fast_n which_o be_v celebrate_v from_o time_n to_o time_n and_o seldom_o enough_o those_o be_v not_o proper_o the_o fast_n of_o which_o the_o gospel_n speak_v and_o which_o be_v observe_v by_o the_o ancient_n they_o be_v act_n of_o public_a humiliation_n design_v for_o time_n of_o calamity_n or_o of_o extraordinary_a devotion_n and_o the_o use_n of_o these_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v too_o frequent_a because_o custom_n be_v apt_a to_o lessen_v their_o effect_n but_o i_o mean_v those_o fast_n which_o be_v help_n to_o devotition_n and_o holiness_n and_o mean_n to_o mortify_v the_o body_n and_o to_o dispose_v man_n to_o humiliation_n and_o repentance_n uniformity_n in_o divine_a worship_n will_v be_v another_o very_a necessary_a establishment_n it_o will_v show_v the_o unity_n of_o faith_n it_o will_v render_v religion_n venerable_a and_o prevent_v those_o disorder_n and_o confusion_n which_o be_v inevitable_a when_o rite_n and_o practice_n quite_o different_a nay_o sometime_o contrary_a to_o one_o another_o be_v observe_v in_o several_a church_n last_o care_n shall_v be_v take_v that_o divine_a service_n may_v be_v perform_v every_o where_o in_o a_o orderly_a grave_n and_o decent_a manner_n the_o exterior_a of_o religion_n have_v a_o great_a influence_n than_o we_o imagine_v upon_o the_o essence_n of_o it_o beside_o that_o we_o save_v a_o express_a law_n 40._o law_n 1_o cor._n fourteen_o 40._o which_o say_v that_o all_o thing_n shall_v be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n indeed_o pageantry_n and_o pomp_n the_o great_a number_n of_o ceremony_n and_o whatever_o savour_v of_o superstition_n aught_o to_o be_v avoid_v as_o well_o as_o every_o thing_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o essence_n of_o evangelical_n worship_n and_o it_o be_v better_a to_o fall_v into_o a_o excess_n of_o simplicity_n than_o to_o clog_n religion_n with_o too_o many_o ceremony_n but_o yet_o under_o pretence_n of_o simplicity_n we_o be_v not_o to_o run_v into_o confusion_n and_o to_o neglect_v the_o external_o of_o religion_n and_o divine_a service_n if_o we_o shall_v examine_v by_o this_o rule_n what_o be_v do_v in_o some_o church_n with_o relation_n for_o instance_n to_o the_o law_n and_o form_n of_o public_a assembly_n to_o the_o celebration_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o the_o sacrament_n and_o to_o the_o person_n who_o receive_v the_o communion_n and_o who_o officiate_n we_o may_v find_v there_o several_a thing_n to_o be_v rectify_v and_o it_o will_v be_v very_o useful_a to_o take_v this_o into_o consideration_n for_o the_o want_n of_o gravity_n and_o decency_n and_o a_o dry_a and_o careless_a perform_v of_o public_a worship_n render_v religion_n despicable_a and_o make_v the_o people_n who_o common_o judge_v of_o thing_n by_o their_o outside_n to_o entertain_v a_o mean_a notion_n of_o divine_a service_n which_o produce_v the_o contempt_n of_o religion_n and_o by_o consequence_n ill_a manner_n vi_o this_o contempt_n of_o religion_n be_v another_o fault_n which_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v pass_v over_o in_o silence_n it_o have_v be_v always_o the_o general_a sense_n of_o mankind_n that_o religion_n be_v to_o be_v honour_v and_o respect_v the_o heathen_a religion_n as_o false_a as_o they_o be_v do_v attract_v the_o veneration_n of_o the_o people_n and_o the_o same_o may_v be_v see_v at_o this_o day_n among_o the_o several_a nation_n of_o infidel_n certain_o then_o the_o christian_a religion_n deserve_v all_o the_o veneration_n and_o respect_n which_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o but_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o in_o many_o place_n it_o be_v fall_v of_o late_a into_o a_o very_a great_a outward_a meanness_n man_n be_v accustom_v themselves_o to_o look_v with_o indifference_n and_o with_o haughtiness_n and_o scorn_n upon_o every_o thing_n which_o have_v some_o relation_n to_o the_o church_n or_o to_o religion_n this_o appear_v especial_o in_o the_o contempt_n which_o be_v express_v towards_o the_o clergy_n though_o the_o scripture_n represent_v their_o office_n as_o a_o most_o excellent_a and_o honourable_a employment_n though_o it_o enjoin_v christian_n to_o 13._o to_o heb._n xiii_o 27._o 1_o thess_n v._o 13._o honour_n love_n and_o reverence_n those_o who_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o they_o yet_o the_o ecclesiastical_a order_n be_v general_o but_o little_o honour_v and_o what_o be_v more_o surprise_v it_o be_v most_o depress_a and_o abase_v in_o those_o church_n which_o otherwise_o profess_v a_o pure_a doctrine_n and_o worship_n than_o other_o christian_a society_n i_o do_v not_o speak_v of_o all_o church_n in_o general_a but_o whoever_o see_v what_o be_v practise_v in_o many_o place_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o think_v that_o it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n to_o strip_v the_o clergy_n of_o all_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n and_o of_o every_o thing_n that_o may_v render_v they_o venerable_a to_o the_o people_n and_o to_o set_v they_o upon_o a_o low_a and_o contemptible_a foot_n their_o character_n be_v become_v abject_a if_o not_o odious_a and_o it_o become_v so_o more_o and_o more_o every_o day_n that_o which_o make_v it_o more_o despicable_a be_v the_o poverty_n which_o many_o of_o they_o be_v force_v to_o live_v in_o it_o be_v not_o difficult_a to_o find_v out_o the_o ground_n of_o this_o contempt_n it_o may_v be_v just_o charge_v upon_o the_o clergy_n themselves_o their_o character_n be_v become_v vile_a because_o they_o support_v it_o but_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o man_n have_v a_o right_a to_o despise_v they_o all_o that_o be_v to_o be_v do_v be_v to_o endeavour_v the_o reclaim_n of_o they_o if_o under_o pretence_n of_o person_n be_v unworthy_a or_o of_o some_o abuse_n in_o office_n it_o be_v lawful_a to_o despise_v the_o profession_n themselves_o will_v not_o even_o magistracy_n be_v often_o the_o vile_a of_o all_o employment_n may_v we_o not_o say_v beside_o that_o churchman_n do_v not_o well_o maintain_v their_o character_n because_o they_o be_v despise_v a_o office_n which_o be_v slight_v will_v never_o be_v well_o discharge_v it_o be_v seldom_o that_o great_a worth_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o a_o post_n which_o be_v little_o honour_v or_o rather_o much_o despise_v the_o chief_a cause_n of_o this_o contempt_n be_v the_o manner_n in_o which_o thing_n be_v order_v in_o the_o last_o century_n persecution_n poverty_n and_o the_o opposition_n of_o the_o high_a power_n be_v at_o first_o great_a obstacle_n to_o the_o establish_n of_o good_a order_n prince_n and_o great_a man_n do_v possess_v themselves_o of_o the_o revenue_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n nothing_o be_v leave_v to_o churchman_n but_o the_o care_n of_o make_v sermon_n and_o of_o administer_a the_o sacrament_n they_o be_v turn_v into_o bare_a preacher_n a_o character_n which_o for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v not_o very_o fit_a to_o create_v respect_n i_o say_v nothing_o here_o of_o the_o discipline_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n because_o i_o be_o to_o speak_v of_o these_o more_o large_o by_o and_o by_o this_o abasement_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o ministry_n be_v a_o visible_a cause_n of_o corruption_n as_o soon_o as_o sacred_a thing_n be_v disregard_v impiety_n must_v needs_o prevail_v especial_o if_o the_o minister_n of_o religion_n be_v despise_v than_o religion_n can_v have_v no_o great_a force_n upon_o man_n mind_n the_o master_n can_v be_v honour_v when_o his_o servant_n be_v slight_v man_n who_o be_v without_o authority_n can_v contain_v the_o people_n in_o their_o duty_n whatsoever_o come_v from_o a_o abject_a person_n who_o be_v neither_o belove_v nor_o esteem_v can_v never_o be_v receive_v with_o submission_n the_o contempt_n of_o pastor_n draw_v of_o necessity_n after_o it_o the_o contempt_n of_o divine_a service_n of_o preach_v and_o of_o other_o sacred_a function_n the_o poverty_n of_o churchman_n be_v not_o much_o less_o fatal_a to_o the_o church_n than_o the_o immense_a and_o excessive_a riches_n which_o do_v former_o corrupt_v the_o clergy_n for_o beside_o that_o in_o those_o time_n and_o place_n in_o which_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v predominant_a and_o profess_v by_o person_n of_o quality_n poverty_n make_v the_o minister_n of_o religion_n contemptible_a to_o the_o people_n and_o even_o to_o great_a man_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o in_o those_o circumstance_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o minister_n shall_v live_v with_o some_o credit_n beside_o this_o i_o say_v that_o poverty_n disable_v they_o from_o exercise_v
hospitality_n from_o mind_v their_o function_n as_o they_o ought_v and_o from_o discharge_v the_o duty_n of_o it_o with_o authority_n and_o zeal_n it_o force_v they_o to_o have_v recourse_n to_o several_a mean_a or_o unlawful_a method_n to_o supply_v their_o necessity_n and_o those_o of_o their_o family_n and_o to_o do_v many_o thing_n which_o do_v not_o comport_v with_o their_o employment_n from_o thence_o proceed_v likewise_o the_o want_n of_o able_a minister_n a_o great_a many_o person_n who_o may_v have_v the_o necessary_a talent_n qualification_n and_o mean_n to_o be_v very_o useful_a in_o the_o church_n take_v a_o disgust_n at_o that_o profession_n by_o the_o fear_n of_o contempt_n or_o poverty_n as_o long_o as_o thing_n be_v in_o this_o state_n religion_n will_v be_v despise_v and_o corruption_n will_v still_o be_v in_o vogue_n it_o be_v not_o so_o easy_a to_o remove_v this_o cause_n of_o corruption_n as_o it_o be_v to_o detest_v it_o the_o re-establish_a of_o order_n seem_v to_o be_v a_o thing_n extreme_o difficult_a to_o this_o end_n it_o will_v be_v requisite_a that_o prince_n arid_a churchman_n shall_v act_v in_o conjunction_n but_o there_o be_v few_o christian_a prince_n who_o lay_v this_o to_o heart_n and_o divine_n have_v quite_o other_o thing_n in_o their_o thought_n their_o great_a business_n be_v to_o maintain_v what_o be_v establish_v and_o to_o dispute_v with_o those_o who_o find_v fault_n with_o it_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n knowledge_n or_o resolution_n be_v want_v and_o there_o be_v not_o enough_o of_o honesty_n or_o greatness_n of_o soul_n to_o confess_v the_o truth_n few_o writer_n have_v the_o courage_n to_o speak_v so_o impartial_o as_o the_o famous_a author_n of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o reformation_n in_o england_n have_v do_v in_o the_o preface_n to_o his_o second_o volume_n it_o be_v think_v by_o many_o person_n that_o all_o will_v be_v ruin_v if_o the_o least_o alteration_n be_v make_v some_o of_o those_o defect_n which_o have_v be_v mention_v in_o this_o chapter_n be_v now_o become_v inviolable_a custom_n and_o law_n every_o body_n fancy_v true_a and_o pure_a christianity_n to_o be_v that_o which_o obtain_v in_o his_o country_n or_o in_o the_o society_n he_o live_v in_o and_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o put_v to_o the_o question_n whether_o or_o not_o some_o thing_n shall_v be_v alter_v as_o long_o as_o christian_n be_v possess_v with_o these_o prejudices_fw-la we_o must_v not_o expect_v to_o see_v christianity_n restore_v to_o a_o entire_a purity_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v to_o be_v hope_v from_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o the_o force_n of_o truth_n that_o christian_n will_v open_v their_o eye_n at_o last_o and_o that_o divine_n will_v grow_v sensible_a of_o the_o necessity_n of_o mind_v these_o thing_n the_o main_a point_n here_o be_v to_o shake_v off_o all_o prejudice_n and_o to_o consider_v thing_n in_o their_o nature_n and_o original_a our_o saviour_n have_v leave_v we_o a_o excellent_a rule_n when_o speak_v of_o the_o abuse_n which_o have_v be_v so_o long_o receive_v among_o the_o jew_n in_o reference_n to_o marriage_n he_o tell_v we_o xix_o place_v =_o foot_n n_o =_o *_o mat._n xix_o that_o from_o the_o beginning_n it_o be_v not_o so_o this_o maxim_n be_v of_o great_a use_n and_o a_o lover_n of_o truth_n and_o virtue_n shall_v always_o have_v it_o before_o his_o eye_n it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o we_o shall_v still_o appeal_v to_o it_o and_o that_o instead_o of_o govern_v ourselves_o by_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o present_a time_n we_o shall_v run_v up_o to_o the_o ancient_a constitution_n and_o compare_v what_o be_v do_v at_o this_o day_n with_o that_o which_o have_v be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v do_v this_o will_v be_v the_o true_a way_n to_o reform_v abuse_n and_o to_o draw_v near_o to_o perfection_n and_o to_o bring_v thing_n back_o into_o the_o natural_a and_o primitive_a channel_n cause_n ii_o the_o want_n of_o discipline_n it_o be_v not_o my_o design_n in_o this_o chapter_n to_o speak_v of_o church_n discipline_n in_o general_n i_o shall_v only_o insist_v upon_o that_o part_n of_o it_o the_o end_n of_o which_o be_v to_o regulate_v the_o manner_n of_o christian_n and_o this_o be_v a_o important_a matter_n the_o want_n of_o discipline_n be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a imperfection_n which_o have_v be_v observe_v in_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o church_n and_o one_o of_o the_o most_o evident_a and_o general_a cause_n of_o the_o corruption_n of_o christian_n but_o because_o some_o man_n have_v pretend_v that_o discipline_n such_o as_o i_o suppose_v it_o in_o this_o chapter_n be_v a_o humane_a and_o arbitrary_a institution_n the_o observation_n of_o which_o be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a and_o may_v be_v dangerous_a i_o think_v it_o proper_a to_o say_v something_o here_o concern_v the_o original_a and_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v certain_a in_o the_o first_o place_n that_o all_o society_n and_o body_n have_v a_o right_a to_o establish_v a_o order_n to_o regulate_v themselves_o by_o and_o to_o provide_v for_o their_o security_n and_o preservation_n when_o several_a man_n or_o people_n unite_z to_z form_n a_o body_n they_o have_v power_n to_o make_v law_n and_o regulation_n to_o which_o all_o the_o member_n of_o that_o body_n may_v be_v tie_v and_o to_o exclude_v those_o from_o their_o communion_n who_o will_v not_o submit_v to_o they_o but_o these_o law_n ought_v not_o to_o clash_v with_o other_o law_n already_o establish_v nor_o with_o just_a and_o acknowledge_v right_n i_o think_v this_o power_n which_o be_v grant_v to_o the_o mean_a of_o society_n can_v be_v deny_v to_o the_o church_n and_o this_o prove_v already_o that_o the_o church_n have_v a_o right_a to_o appoint_v a_o discipline_n to_o which_o all_o her_o member_n shall_v he_o subject_v provide_v that_o discipline_n do_v not_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n prejudice_v public_a tranquillity_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o magistrate_n nor_o any_o way_n contradict_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n now_o as_o discipline_n be_v not_o liable_a to_o either_o of_o these_o inconvenience_n but_o do_v rather_o perfect_o agree_v with_o the_o welfare_n of_o civil_a society_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o will_v be_v prove_v hereafter_o so_o the_o establish_n of_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v equal_o lawful_a and_o necessary_a ii_o but_o further_o discipline_n be_v a_o order_n which_o have_v god_n for_o its_o author_n we_o find_v the_o institution_n of_o it_o in_o holy_a scripture_n and_o in_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o his_o apostle_n i_o shall_v recite_v the_o chief_a of_o these_o 1._o in_o st._n matthews_n gospel_n chap._n xviii_o 15_o 16_o 17._o we_o read_v these_o word_n if_o thy_o brother_n shall_v trespass_v against_o thou_o go_v and_o tell_v he_o of_o his_o fault_n between_o thou_o and_o he_o alone_o if_o he_o shall_v hear_v thou_o thou_o have_v gain_v thy_o brother_n but_o if_o he_o will_v not_o hear_v thou_o then_o take_v with_o thou_o one_o or_o two_o more_o that_o in_o the_o mouth_n of_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n every_o word_n may_v be_v establish_v and_o if_o he_o shall_v neglect_v to_o hear_v they_o tell_v it_o to_o the_o church_n but_o if_o he_o neglect_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n let_v he_o be_v unto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a man_n and_o a_o publican_n for_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o these_o word_n we_o must_v know_v that_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o enact_v here_o a_o new_a law_n and_o that_o a_o order_n like_o that_o which_o be_v here_o prescribe_v be_v already_o observe_v among_o the_o jew_n but_o here_o as_o upon_o many_o occasion_n our_o saviour_n do_v comply_v with_o the_o custom_n and_o practice_n of_o that_o nation_n because_o he_o judge_v that_o those_o custom_n be_v good_a and_o fit_a for_o his_o view_n and_o purpose_n the_o first_o christian_n do_v the_o same_o in_o matter_n of_o order_n and_o government_n they_o do_v form_v the_o christian_a church_n upon_o the_o model_n of_o the_o jewish_a assembly_n and_o upon_o the_o method_n which_o be_v there_o observe_v this_o be_v the_o key_n of_o the_o place_n i_o have_v now_o quote_v our_o saviour_n approve_v the_o jewish_a practice_n and_o enjoin_v his_o disciple_n to_o observe_v the_o same_o order_n among_o they_o it_o can_v be_v doubt_v but_o that_o this_o be_v his_o mean_v for_o he_o speak_v to_o his_o disciple_n and_o it_o appear_v by_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o this_o passage_n and_o by_o the_o sequel_n of_o his_o discourse_n that_o he_o be_v give_v here_o a_o law_n which_o concern_v the_o christian_a church_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o he_o proper_o speak_v of_o private_a difference_n but_o what_o he_o say_v aught_o to_o apply_v to_o
law_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o first_o century_n have_v be_v abrogate_a by_o contrary_a law_n and_o canon_n this_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o man_n of_o learning_n and_o sincerity_n let_v we_o see_v then_o whether_o this_o discipline_n be_v to_o be_v find_v any_o where_o else_o there_o be_v many_o church_n in_o the_o last_o age_n which_o do_v redress_v those_o abuse_n i_o now_o mention_v but_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v go_v further_o as_o these_o abuse_n have_v succeed_v in_o the_o room_n of_o apostolical_a discipline_n so_o that_o shall_v too_o have_v be_v restore_v when_o these_o be_v take_v away_o but_o this_o be_v not_o do_v as_o it_o may_v have_v be_v wish_v the_o disorder_n be_v remove_v but_o order_n be_v not_o reestablish_v and_o it_o be_v not_o hard_a to_o apprehend_v how_o this_o come_v to_o pass_v it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o those_o abuse_n shall_v be_v take_v away_o they_o be_v grow_v too_o intolerable_a and_o they_o can_v not_o hold_v out_o against_o the_o learning_n of_o a_o age_n more_o know_v than_o the_o former_a be_v thing_n be_v go_v so_o far_o that_o a_o turn_v and_o a_o revolution_n be_v necessary_a it_o be_v very_o probable_a beside_o that_o interest_n pride_n or_o ambition_n do_v move_v great_a number_n of_o person_n who_o after_o all_o have_v hot_a much_o piety_n to_o set_v themselves_o against_o those_o many_o and_o great_a disorder_n and_o to_o shake_v off_o a_o yoke_n under_o which_o the_o christian_a world_n then_o groan_v but_o the_o same_o principle_n hinder_v they_o to_o submit_v to_o the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o bind_v themselves_o to_o the_o observation_n of_o evangelical_n discipline_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v further_o that_o the_o rule_n of_o discipline_n and_o penance_n have_v be_v disuse_v for_o several_a hundred_o year_n so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o bring_v the_o world_n to_o submit_v to_o a_o order_n of_o which_o the_o notion_n be_v lose_v policy_n have_v perhaps_o a_o large_a share_n likewise_o in_o this_o revolution_n prince_n and_o great_a man_n be_v easy_o determine_v to_o pull_v down_o the_o excessive_a and_o usurp_a authority_n of_o the_o clergy_n but_o they_o do_v not_o all_o express_v the_o same_o zeal_n to_o restore_v to_o the_o church_n her_o lawful_a authority_n in_o fine_a among_o divine_v themselves_o there_o be_v many_o who_o can_v not_o endure_v that_o discipline_n shall_v be_v name_v and_o who_o dispute_v and_o write_v against_o those_o who_o be_v for_o exclude_v scandalous_a person_n from_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n and_o for_o make_v use_n of_o excommuication_n and_o public_a penance_n in_o such_o circumstance_n the_o restore_n of_o discipline_n be_v a_o hard_a task_n it_o will_v not_o be_v improper_a to_o relate_v here_o concern_v this_o matter_n the_o opinion_n and_o the_o very_a word_n of_o those_o who_o be_v then_o employ_v about_o the_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n they_o look_v upon_o discipline_n as_o a_o capital_a point_n to_o restore_v religion_n to_o its_o purity_n they_o write_v prodit_fw-la write_v calvini_n epist_n &_o responsa_fw-la pag._n 337._o disciplinam_fw-la jure_fw-la vocare_fw-la possumus_fw-la optimum_fw-la atque_fw-la adeò_fw-la unicum_fw-la retinendae_fw-la obedientiae_fw-la vinculum_fw-la et_fw-la paulò_fw-la post_fw-la itaque_fw-la ecclesias_fw-la nostras_fw-la tum_fw-la demum_fw-la ritè_fw-la suffultas_fw-la arbitrabor_fw-la ubi_fw-la isto_fw-la nervo_fw-la colligatae_fw-la fuerint_fw-la et_fw-fr pag._n 336._o caeterùm_fw-la non_fw-la aliter_fw-la consister_n ecclesiae_fw-la incolumitas_fw-la quam_fw-la si_fw-la ad_fw-la eam_fw-la purgandam_fw-la fraenandas_fw-la libidines_fw-la tollenda_fw-la flagitia_fw-la corrigendos_fw-la perversos_fw-la mores_fw-la vigeat_fw-la excommunicatio_fw-la cujus_fw-la moderatum_fw-la usum_fw-la quisquis_fw-la recusat_fw-la praesertim_fw-la admonitus_fw-la se_fw-la ex_fw-la christi_fw-la ovibus_fw-la non_fw-la esse_fw-la prodit_fw-la that_o discipline_n be_v the_o best_a nay_o the_o only_a mean_a to_o keep_v the_o people_n in_o obedience_n that_o the_o church_n will_v never_o stand_v upon_o a_o firm_a and_o solid_a foundation_n till_o discipline_n and_o excommunication_n be_v use_v to_o purge_v it_o to_o give_v a_o stop_n to_o licentiousness_n to_o banish_v vice_n and_o to_o mend_v manner_n and_o that_o whosoever_o do_v reject_v the_o lawful_a and_o moderate_a use_n of_o excommunication_n show_v himself_o by_o that_o to_o be_v none_o of_o christ_n sheep_n but_o we_o do_v likewise_o observe_v in_o their_o write_n that_o they_o have_v the_o ill_a fortune_n of_o not_o be_v able_a to_o succeed_v in_o their_o design_n they_o say_v open_o own_o that_o they_o meet_v on_o all_o hand_n with_o insuperable_a obstacle_n etc._n obstacle_n capito_n in_o calv._n epist_n p._n 7._o periciores_fw-la rerum_fw-la ecclesiasticarum_fw-la cernunt_fw-la in_o causâ_fw-la ejectionis_fw-la vestrae_fw-la fuisse_fw-la totam_fw-la cohortem_fw-la ministrorum_fw-la evangelium_fw-la docentium_fw-la sine_fw-la disciplinâ_fw-la imò_fw-la ne_fw-la scientium_fw-la a_o disciplina_fw-la sit_fw-la in_o ecclesiam_fw-la revocanda_fw-la otiosam_fw-la enim_fw-la functionem_fw-la quidam_fw-la tueri_fw-la malunt_fw-la quam_fw-la fructuosam_fw-la quidam_fw-la licentiam_fw-la pro_fw-la christi_fw-la libertate_fw-la induxerunt_fw-la quasi_fw-la ab_fw-la evangelio_n stint_v qui_fw-la jugum_fw-la pontificium_fw-la abjecerint_fw-la aliqui_fw-la verò_fw-la id_fw-la est_fw-la plerique_fw-la omnes_fw-la animadvertentes_fw-la rem_fw-la christi_fw-la indy_n abire_fw-la in_fw-la pejus_fw-la optarent_fw-la quidem_fw-la restirutam_fw-la auctoritatem_fw-la ministrorum_fw-la sed_fw-la aut_fw-la veram_fw-la ejus_fw-la reparandae_fw-la rationem_fw-la ignorant_a aut_fw-la eam_fw-la videntes_fw-la desperant_fw-la prorsus_fw-la et_fw-la paulo_fw-la post_fw-la auditis_fw-la enim_fw-la tyranni_fw-la esse_fw-la voluistis_fw-la in_o liberam_fw-la ecclesiam_fw-la voluistis_fw-la novum_fw-la pontificaâ—um_fw-la revocare_fw-la atque_fw-la id_fw-la genus_fw-la contumeliarum_fw-la etc._n etc._n et_fw-la paulo_fw-la post_fw-la nam_fw-la fraenum_fw-la prorsus_fw-la excussit_fw-la multitudo_fw-la quae_fw-la assuera_fw-la est_fw-la &_o educata_fw-la propemodum_fw-la ad_fw-la licentiam_fw-la quasi_fw-la authoritatem_fw-la pontificiorum_fw-la frangendo_fw-la vim_o verbi_fw-la sacramentorum_fw-la &_o totius_fw-la evangelii_n evacuaremus_fw-la etc._n etc._n that_o there_o be_v a_o company_n of_o minister_n who_o preach_v a_o gospel_n without_o discipline_n and_o who_o even_o question_v whether_o the_o use_n of_o discipline_n be_v to_o be_v bring_v back_o into_o the_o church_n that_o some_o introduce_v licentiousness_n instead_o of_o christian_a liberty_n and_o think_v that_o to_o reject_v the_o pope_n be_v enough_o in_o order_n to_o be_v true_o evangelical_n that_o other_o observe_v the_o daily_a decay_n of_o christianity_n wish_v that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o ministry_n may_v be_v restore_v but_o that_o either_o they_o do_v not_o see_v the_o true_a way_n of_o bring_v this_o about_o or_o that_o if_o they_o see_v it_o they_o despair_v of_o success_n that_o those_o who_o endeavour_v to_o revive_v discipline_n be_v call_v tyrant_n who_o will_v have_v usurp_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o church_n that_o the_o people_n have_v shake_v off_o all_o restraint_n and_o be_v accustom_v to_o licentiousness_n as_o if_o by_o take_v away_o the_o pope_n authority_n the_o ministry_n have_v be_v destroy_v and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o sacrament_n have_v lose_v their_o efficacy_n they_o have_v say_v that_o the_o want_n of_o discipline_n do_v produce_v corruption_n 371._o corruption_n bucerus_n de_fw-fr animarum_fw-la cura_fw-la p._n 171._o et_fw-la quis_fw-la negare_fw-la potest_fw-la cùm_fw-la omnium_fw-la peccatorum_fw-la quà m_fw-la atrocia_fw-la etiam_fw-la illa_fw-la sint_fw-la adeò_fw-la nulla_fw-la increpatio_fw-la castigatio_fw-la aut_fw-la poenitentia_fw-la est_fw-la in_o ecclesiâ_fw-la hinc_fw-la fieri_fw-la ut_fw-la juventus_fw-la &_o plebs_fw-la eo_fw-la leviores_fw-la reddantur_fw-la ad_fw-la omne_fw-la malum_fw-la pudor_fw-la &_o dedecus_fw-la abeunt_fw-la homines_fw-la efferuntur_fw-la redduntur_fw-la ut_fw-la paulus_n conqueritur_fw-la omnino_fw-la impenitents_n dedunt_fw-la se_fw-la libidini_fw-la omnique_fw-la vanitati_fw-la denique_fw-la vitâ_fw-la istâ_fw-la petulanti_fw-la atque_fw-la perdita_fw-la satiari_fw-la nullo_n modo_fw-la possunt_fw-la idem_fw-la p._n 189._o si_fw-mi crassiora_fw-la delicta_fw-la severiore_fw-la poenitentia_fw-la compensarentur_fw-la ut_fw-la sanctus_fw-la docet_fw-la apostolus_fw-la utque_fw-la in_o sancto_fw-la atque_fw-la salutari_fw-la usu_fw-la fuit_fw-la in_o ecclesiis_fw-la veteribus_fw-la bene_fw-la constitutis_fw-la major_a inde_fw-la apud_fw-la omnes_fw-la dei_fw-la filios_fw-la peccatorum_fw-la fuga_fw-la &_o detestatio_fw-la majorque_fw-la aquavitae_fw-la christian_n zelus_n existeret_fw-la quam_fw-la proh_o dolour_n hodie_fw-la apud_fw-la nos_fw-la deprehendimus_fw-la vide_fw-la &_o buceri_fw-la epistolam_fw-la ad_fw-la calvinum_fw-la in_fw-la epistola_fw-la calvini_n pag._n 370_o &_o 371._o that_o because_o there_o be_v neither_o censure_n nor_o correction_n nor_o penance_n nor_o excommunication_n in_o the_o church_n even_o for_o the_o great_a crime_n the_o people_n and_o youth_n do_v commit_v all_o manner_n of_o sin_n that_o no_o person_n be_v restrain_v by_o shame_n and_o that_o man_n become_v proud_a and_o altogether_o impenitent_a that_o if_o the_o more_o odious_a sin_n be_v expiate_v by_o penance_n and_o a_o reasonable_a severity_n as_o st._n paul_n enjoin_v and_o as_o it_o be_v ancient_o
do_v abolish_v the_o moysaicall_a ceremony_n will_v at_o the_o same_o time_n have_v burden_v the_o church_n with_o needless_a law_n or_o that_o they_o will_v have_v interpose_v christ_n authority_n for_o the_o observation_n of_o a_o order_n which_o have_v not_o be_v necessary_a they_o be_v desire_v to_o consider_v beside_o that_o man_n have_v body_n as_o well_o as_o soul_n that_o among_o a_o great_a multiâ—â—le_n there_o be_v many_o person_n of_o a_o gross_a understanding_n who_o can_v be_v restrain_v but_o by_o external_a law_n and_o that_o it_o be_v absurd_a to_o pretend_v that_o man_n can_v be_v so_o spiritualise_v as_o to_o need_v no_o long_o outward_a aid_n to_o piety_n but_o it_o be_v a_o gross_a error_n to_o look_v upon_o discipline_n as_o a_o order_n pure_o external_a for_o proper_o speak_v it_o be_v a_o order_n altogether_o spiritual_a discipline_n do_v not_o touch_n either_o man_n body_n or_o their_o estate_n it_o use_v only_o spiritual_a mean_n and_o it_o be_v efficacious_a no_o far_o than_o as_o it_o operate_v upon_o the_o heart_n and_o conscience_n 3._o but_o other_o will_v cast_v the_o objection_n i_o have_v now_o confute_v into_o this_o form_n they_o will_v say_v that_o in_o external_a thing_n among_o which_o discipline_n be_v to_o be_v rank_v church_n be_v at_o liberty_n to_o regulate_v themselves_o as_o they_o think_v good_a i_o grant_v that_o church_n have_v that_o liberty_n in_o indifferent_a thing_n which_o be_v not_o appoint_v by_o a_o divine_a authority_n but_o this_o can_v be_v apply_v to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n a_o establishment_n of_o divine_a institution_n can_v be_v reckon_v among_o thing_n indifferent_a do_v we_o look_v upon_o the_o sacrament_n as_o indifferent_a ceremony_n which_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o observe_v under_o pretence_n that_o they_o be_v but_o external_n rite_n and_o ordinance_n church_n indeed_o have_v a_o liberty_n where_o there_o be_v no_o law_n though_o still_o that_o liberty_n be_v to_o be_v wise_o and_o discreet_o use_v for_o fear_v of_o confusion_n but_o when_o god_n have_v settle_v a_o order_n church_n be_v not_o at_o liberty_n to_o choose_v another_o to_o make_v new_a law_n and_o to_o set_v up_o a_o new_a form_n of_o government_n such_o a_o liberty_n will_v be_v mere_a unruliness_n and_o a_o criminal_a and_o sacâ—â—egious_a presumption_n this_o will_v be_v the_o way_n to_o multiply_v sect_n and_o religion_n infinite_o 4._o the_o same_o answer_n may_v serve_v to_o refute_v those_o who_o to_o justify_v the_o practice_n of_o those_o church_n which_o do_v not_o observe_v the_o form_n of_o discipline_n use_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n make_v a_o distinction_n between_o discipline_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o exercise_v it_o they_o own_o that_o discipline_n be_v necessary_a and_o that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v order_n in_o the_o church_n but_o they_o think_v that_o the_o way_n of_o exercise_v discipline_n may_v vary_v according_a to_o time_n place_n and_o other_o circumstance_n this_o distinction_n may_v be_v receive_v when_o the_o case_n be_v only_o about_o some_o indifferent_a circumstance_n but_o it_o be_v allege_v without_o reason_n when_o the_o question_n be_v concern_v the_o substance_n or_o the_o essence_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o the_o disorder_n we_o complain_v of_o be_v that_o what_o be_v essential_a in_o discipline_n have_v be_v take_v away_o to_o substitute_v in_o lieu_n of_o it_o another_o order_n and_o to_o set_v up_o a_o new_a discipline_n of_o which_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o speak_v a_o word_n now_o that_o which_o be_v most_o essential_a in_o discipline_n and_o which_o be_v not_o observe_v in_o most_o church_n be_v this_o that_o scandalous_a sinner_n be_v not_o to_o be_v suffer_v in_o the_o church_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v suffer_v that_o they_o be_v to_o be_v warn_v and_o reprove_v in_o private_a and_o even_o in_o public_a this_o be_v seldom_o do_v and_o in_o some_o place_n it_o be_v never_o do_v that_o christian_n ought_v to_o separate_v themselves_o from_o those_o who_o live_v disorderly_a and_o this_o be_v not_o observe_v that_o upon_o certain_a occasion_n they_o be_v to_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o the_o body_n of_o the_o faithful_a but_o pastor_n dare_v not_o so_o much_o as_o mention_v this_o that_o the_o administration_n of_o discipline_n belong_v to_o pastor_n that_o they_o ought_v to_o preside_v proceed_v and_o judge_v in_o all_o emergent_a case_n the_o scripture_n give_v they_o that_o right_o and_o ascribe_v to_o they_o those_o office_n but_o they_o have_v be_v devest_v of_o they_o new_a political_a body_n have_v be_v erect_v in_o which_o there_o be_v but_o one_o churchman_n or_o two_o for_o form_n sake_n who_o often_o have_v neithe_a vote_n nor_o authority_n in_o they_o it_o be_v of_o divine_a right_n that_o sinner_n shall_v give_v real_a proof_n of_o their_o repentance_n as_o for_o instance_n by_o make_v restitution_n by_o reconciliation_n by_o acknowledge_v their_o fault_n but_o this_o be_v not_o now_o require_v of_o they_o nay_o in_o some_o church_n it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o inquire_v into_o it_o be_v against_o all_o the_o law_n of_o discipline_n that_o none_o shall_v be_v exclude_v from_o the_o holy_a communion_n and_o yet_o in_o most_o place_n this_o be_v not_o regard_v last_o it_o be_v a_o apostolical_a order_n and_o practice_n that_o sinner_n shall_v not_o be_v receive_v to_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n but_o after_o they_o have_v fit_v themselves_o for_o it_o by_o a_o sincere_a and_o if_o the_o case_n require_v by_o a_o public_a repentance_n but_o now_o a-days_o those_o ancient_a rule_n of_o discipline_n be_v abolish_v after_o all_o this_o can_v it_o be_v say_v that_o no_o alteration_n have_v happen_v in_o the_o essence_n of_o discipline_n but_o only_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o censure_n suspension_n excommunication_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o pastor_n be_v take_v away_o the_o government_n appoint_v by_o the_o scripture_n be_v overturn_v another_o and_o quite_o different_a form_n be_v bring_v into_o the_o room_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o people_n will_v say_v that_o the_o question_n be_v not_o about_o the_o thing_n itself_o but_o the_o manner_n it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o have_v any_o kind_n of_o order_n the_o order_n which_o god_n have_v prescribe_v and_o no_o other_o aught_o to_o be_v observe_v some_o circumstance_n may_v be_v vary_v according_a to_o the_o necessity_n of_o church_n but_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v unalterable_a 5._o many_o be_v of_o opinion_n that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o magistrate_n supply_v that_o want_n of_o discipline_n and_o that_o this_o way_n be_v by_o much_o preferable_a to_o the_o other_o i_o confess_v that_o the_o punishment_n inflict_v by_o the_o magistrate_n upon_o scandalous_a liver_n be_v of_o great_a use_n that_o magistrate_n who_o use_v their_o authority_n to_o suppress_v vice_n be_v very_o commendable_a and_o that_o discipline_n be_v of_o much_o great_a force_n when_o it_o be_v support_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o civil_a power_n but_o still_o the_o divine_a institution_n be_v to_o be_v preserve_v entire_a it_o do_v neither_o belong_v to_o the_o magistrate_n nor_o to_o any_o power_n to_o alter_v that_o which_o god_n have_v command_v and_o to_o deprive_v the_o church_n of_o she_o right_o after_o all_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o magistrate_n be_v not_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n these_o be_v two_o distinct_a thing_n and_o of_o a_o quite_o different_a nature_n the_o magistrate_n use_v external_a and_o corporal_a punishment_n fines_n imprisonment_n banishment_n force_n etc._n etc._n these_o method_n be_v certain_o useful_a they_o may_v terrify_v sinner_n and_o in_o some_o respect_n keep_v they_o in_o awe_n and_o duty_n but_o beside_o this_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o work_v upon_o the_o heart_n and_o to_o bind_v the_o conscience_n by_o those_o method_n which_o discipline_n use_v or_o else_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v that_o we_o shall_v only_o make_v hypocrite_n and_o that_o man_n will_v abstain_v from_o evil_a more_o out_o of_o the_o fear_n of_o punishment_n and_o upon_o temporal_a consideration_n than_o from_o motive_n of_o conscience_n nay_o there_o be_v people_n who_o if_o they_o have_v nothing_o to_o fear_v but_o a_o fine_a or_o some_o day_n imprisonment_n will_v glad_o purchase_v at_o that_o rate_n the_o liberty_n of_o sin_v and_o fancy_n that_o provide_v satisfaction_n be_v make_v to_o the_o magistrate_n there_o be_v no_o more_o to_o be_v do_v for_o the_o clear_n of_o their_o conscience_n beside_o what_o a_o disorderly_a thing_n be_v it_o that_o a_o offender_n who_o be_v prosecute_v fine_v and_o imprison_v by_o the_o magistrate_n shall_v still_o be_v treat_v like_o a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o admit_v to_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n the_o magistrate_n authority_n be_v therefore_o a_o very_a efficacious_a mean_a to_o promote_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n
explain_v text_n it_o be_v therefore_o to_o be_v wish_v that_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n school_n and_o university_n shall_v be_v reform_v and_o that_o the_o manner_n and_o study_n of_o young_a people_n shall_v be_v better_o regulate_v in_o those_o place_n this_o reformation_n will_v not_o be_v impossible_a if_o divine_n and_o professor_n will_v use_v their_o endeavour_n about_o it_o but_o those_o kind_n of_o establishment_n be_v not_o easy_o alter_v the_o ordinary_a method_n be_v continue_v and_o thing_n be_v do_v as_o they_o be_v of_o old_a because_o man_n be_v willing_a to_o keep_v their_o place_n and_o the_o stipend_n which_o be_v annex_v to_o they_o 3._o the_o three_o and_o principal_a remedy_n will_v be_v to_o use_v great_a caution_n than_o be_v common_o do_v when_o man_n be_v to_o be_v admit_v into_o ecclesiastical_a office_n the_o first_o qualification_n to_o which_o according_a to_o st._n paul_n regard_n be_v to_o be_v have_v be_v probity_n and_o integrity_n of_o life_n the_o person_n therefore_o who_o offer_v themselves_o shall_v in_o the_o first_o place_n be_v examine_v in_o relation_n to_o manner_n and_o to_o all_o those_o moral_a disposition_n which_o st._n paul_n require_v in_o they_o and_o those_o shall_v be_v exclude_v in_o who_o they_o be_v not_o find_v but_o this_o article_n be_v common_o slubber_v over_o and_o a_o young_a man_n must_v have_v be_v very_o dissolute_a if_o he_o be_v refuse_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o immorality_n so_o that_o the_o most_o sacred_a of_o all_o character_n be_v confer_v upon_o many_o person_n who_o according_a to_o the_o divine_a law_n aught_o to_o be_v reject_v the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o examination_n of_o canditates_fw-la relate_v to_o their_o ability_n and_o talent_n now_o in_o order_n to_o judge_v of_o their_o capacity_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o inquire_v whether_o they_o know_v their_o common-place-book_n or_o whether_o they_o can_v make_v a_o sermon_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a beside_o to_o examine_v they_o about_o the_o fundamental_o of_o religion_n about_o history_n discipline_n the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o morality_n all_o these_o be_v important_a matter_n the_o knowledge_n of_o which_o be_v of_o daily_a use_n with_o reference_n to_o practice_n and_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o sacred_a ministry_n but_o they_o be_v not_o insist_v upon_o the_o examination_n turn_v upon_o some_o trial_n about_o preach_v and_o upon_o some_o head_n of_o divinity_n which_o be_v scholastical_o handle_v by_o argument_n and_o distinction_n after_o which_o if_o the_o canditate_fw-la have_v satify_v in_o some_o measure_n ordination_n follow_v now_o when_o such_o insufficient_a person_n be_v once_o admit_v the_o mischief_n be_v do_v and_o there_o be_v no_o remedy_n these_o man_n be_v afterward_o appoint_v pastor_n in_o church_n where_o for_o 30_o or_o 40_o year_n they_o destroy_v more_o than_o they_o edify_v how_o many_o church_n be_v there_o thus_o ill_o provide_v where_o the_o people_n live_v in_o gross_a ignorance_n where_o the_o youth_n be_v lose_v for_o want_n of_o instruction_n and_o where_o a_o thousand_o crime_n be_v commit_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o this_o evil_a be_v in_o the_o ordination_n of_o pastor_n it_o will_v no_o doubt_n be_v object_v that_o if_o none_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v but_o those_o who_o have_v all_o the_o necessary_a qualification_n there_o will_v not_o be_v a_o sufficient_a number_n of_o pastor_n for_o all_o the_o church_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o though_o this_o shall_v happen_v yet_o it_o be_v better_a to_o run_v into_o this_o inconvenience_n than_o to_o break_v the_o express_a law_n of_o god_n a_o small_a number_n of_o select_a pastor_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o a_o multitude_n of_o unworthy_a labourer_n we_o be_v still_o to_o do_v what_o god_n command_v and_o to_o leave_v the_o the_o event_n to_o providence_n but_o after_o all_o this_o scarcity_n of_o pastor_n be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o be_v fear_v such_o a_o strictness_n will_v only_o discourage_v those_o who_o will_v never_o have_v be_v useful_a in_o the_o church_n and_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n high_o commendable_a to_o dishearten_v such_o person_n but_o this_o exactness_n will_v encourage_v those_o who_o be_v able_a to_o do_v well_o and_o the_o ministry_n will_v be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o esteem_v and_o seek_v after_o cause_n iu._n the_o defect_n of_o christian_a prince_n and_o magistrate_n if_o it_o have_v be_v possible_a without_o a_o essential_a omission_n not_o to_o have_v detect_v this_o cause_n of_o corruption_n i_o will_v have_v pass_v it_o over_o in_o silence_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o speak_v of_o the_o high_a power_n but_o with_o great_a discretion_n and_o respect_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o without_o some_o kind_n of_o reluctancy_n that_o i_o suppose_v in_o the_o title_n of_o this_o chapter_n that_o one_o of_o the_o cause_n of_o corruption_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o christian_a prince_n and_o magistrate_n but_o if_o i_o have_v suppress_v this_o i_o shall_v have_v dissemble_v a_o most_o important_a truth_n and_o omit_v one_o of_o the_o head_n which_o be_v the_o most_o necessary_a to_o be_v insist_v upon_o in_o a_o work_n of_o this_o nature_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o rank_n which_o prince_n and_o magistrate_n hold_v they_o have_v always_o a_o great_a share_n in_o the_o good_a or_o ill_a manner_n of_o the_o people_n and_o so_o i_o can_v excuse_v myself_o from_o show_v that_o the_o corruption_n of_o christian_n may_v partly_o be_v impute_v to_o those_o who_o be_v ordain_v for_o the_o government_n of_o civil_a society_n in_o order_n to_o this_o i_o shall_v offer_v some_o reflection_n upon_o the_o duty_n of_o prince_n and_o magistrate_n consider_v 1._o as_o civil_a and_o 2._o as_o christian_a magistrate_n although_o the_o institution_n of_o prince_n and_o magistrate_n do_v proper_o relate_v to_o civil_a matter_n yet_o the_o manner_n of_o govern_v their_o people_n have_v a_o great_a influence_n upon_o the_o thing_n of_o religion_n this_o can_v be_v question_v if_o we_o suppose_v this_o principle_n that_o god_n who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o religion_n be_v also_o the_o author_n of_o civil_a society_n and_o magistracy_n it_o be_v st._n paul_n doctrine_n xiii_o doctrine_n rom._n xiii_o that_o there_o be_v no_o power_n but_o of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o power_n that_o be_v be_v ordain_v of_o god_n if_o god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o civil_a society_n he_o be_v also_o the_o author_n of_o those_o law_n upon_o which_o both_o religion_n and_o civil_a society_n be_v found_v now_o god_n be_v always_o consistent_a with_o himself_o the_o law_n which_o be_v derive_v from_o he_o can_v contradict_v one_o another_o and_o this_o show_v already_o not_o only_o that_o there_o be_v no_o opposition_n between_o religion_n and_o civil_a society_n but_o that_o these_o two_o thing_n have_v beside_o a_o necessary_a relation_n to_o one_o another_o this_o will_v yet_o more_o clear_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v that_o religion_n do_v not_o cut_v off_o christian_n from_o the_o society_n of_o other_o man_n and_o that_o the_o church_n do_v not_o constitute_v a_o state_n by_o itself_o to_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o civil_a society_n but_o that_o those_o who_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v likewise_o member_n of_o civil_a society_n so_o that_o the_o same_o man_n be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n both_o a_o christian_n and_o a_o citizen_n but_o it_o be_v chief_o necessary_a to_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n 1._o it_o be_v to_o be_v preach_v to_o all_o man_n and_o to_o be_v receive_v by_o all_o the_o world_n without_o distinction_n of_o nation_n kingdom_n or_o state_n in_o order_n to_o this_o two_o thing_n be_v necessary_a first_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v nothing_o in_o religion_n contrary_a to_o the_o natural_a constitution_n of_o state_n and_o of_o civil_a society_n for_o else_o god_n by_o order_v the_o gospel_n to_o be_v preach_v will_v have_v destroy_v his_o own_o work_n christianity_n can_v not_o have_v take_v foot_v in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o first_o christian_n will_v have_v be_v just_o look_v upon_o as_o seditious_a person_n but_o it_o be_v not_o less_o necessary_a on_o the_o other_o hand_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v nothing_o repugnant_a to_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o the_o natural_a constitution_n of_o state_n and_o civil_a society_n otherwise_o god_n by_o establish_v society_n will_v have_v put_v a_o insuperable_a obstacle_n to_o the_o plant_n of_o the_o gospel_n unless_o the_o civil_a order_n and_o government_n have_v be_v alter_v but_o our_o saviour_n have_v assure_v we_o that_o there_o be_v to_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n by_o declare_v xviii_o declare_v john_n xviii_o that_o his_o kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n and_o by_o command_v his_o follower_n xxii_o
follower_n mat._n xxii_o to_o render_v to_o caesar_n the_o thing_n which_o be_v caesar_n 2._o one_o of_o the_o chief_a precept_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v xiii_o be_v rom._n xiii_o that_o all_o man_n shall_v obey_v and_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o high_a power_n now_o this_o precept_n can_v not_o possible_o be_v observe_v if_o in_o the_o natural_a establishment_n of_o civil_a society_n there_o be_v something_o incompatible_a with_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n vi_o christianity_n mat._n vi_o no_o man_n can_v serve_v two_o master_n when_o they_o command_v contrary_a thing_n but_o st._n paul_n go_v further_a he_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o preservation_n of_o king_n and_o the_o submit_v to_o their_o authory_n be_v a_o mean_a for_o christian_n *_o to_o lead_v a_o quiet_a and_o peaceable_a life_n in_o all_o godliness_n and_o honesty_n 3._o it_o be_v remarkable_a that_o whatever_o be_v good_a and_o just_a in_o the_o civil_a be_v so_o likewise_o in_o the_o religious_a society_n and_o that_o whatever_o be_v prescribe_v by_o religion_n be_v just_a and_o even_o beneficial_a to_o civil_a society_n the_o law_n of_o nature_n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o civil_a law_n be_v confirm_v by_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o do_v perfect_o agree_v with_o the_o principle_n and_o moral_n of_o the_o gospel_n a_o evident_a proof_n of_o this_o be_v that_o when_o christian_a emperor_n and_o lawgiver_n do_v set_v about_o the_o make_n of_o law_n and_o constitution_n they_o retain_v the_o essential_a part_n of_o the_o law_n and_o constitution_n receive_v among_o the_o roman_n and_o the_o greek_n in_o the_o time_n of_o heathenism_n and_o to_o this_o day_n the_o old_a roman_a law_n be_v follow_v among_o christian_n except_v some_o law_n which_o have_v be_v alter_v or_o abrogate_a either_o because_o they_o be_v contrary_a to_o natural_a justice_n and_o equity_n or_o because_o they_o be_v not_o of_o a_o general_a and_o necessary_a use_n 4._o it_o be_v certain_a that_o religion_n and_o civil_a society_n do_v mutual_o support_v one_o another_o when_o both_o be_v well_o regulate_v religion_n contribute_v to_o the_o happiness_n of_o society_n by_o render_v the_o authority_n of_o prince_n more_o sacred_a and_o inviolable_a and_o the_o good_a order_n of_o society_n contribute_v to_o the_o welfare_n and_o the_o progress_n of_o religion_n let_v we_o suppose_v a_o magistrate_n who_o love_v piety_n and_o justice_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o at_o the_o same_o i_o that_o he_o promote_v the_o interest_n of_o religion_n ii_o religion_n 1_o tim._n ii_o he_o strengthen_v the_o welfare_n of_o society_n and_o that_o he_o can_v procure_v the_o good_a of_o society_n without_o advance_v the_o interest_n of_o religion_n if_o we_o suppose_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n a_o magistrate_n who_o do_v not_o act_n by_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o justice_n it_o be_v visible_a that_o by_o suffer_a religion_n to_o be_v violate_v or_o despise_v he_o shake_v the_o sure_a foundation_n of_o his_o own_o authority_n and_o of_o public_a tranquillity_n and_o that_o by_o fail_v in_o the_o duty_n of_o his_o office_n and_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o justice_n he_o make_v the_o people_n grow_v vicious_a and_o neglect_v the_o duty_n of_o piety_n from_o these_o consideration_n it_o do_v manifest_o appear_v that_o prince_n and_o magistrate_n may_v either_o procure_v great_a advantage_n to_o religion_n or_o do_v it_o a_o considerable_a prejudice_n and_o that_o they_o be_v in_o part_n the_o author_n of_o the_o corruption_n which_o reign_v in_o the_o world_n when_o civil-society_n be_v well_o govern_v man_n be_v dispose_v by_o that_o very_a thing_n to_o practice_v the_o duty_n of_o christianity_n in_o proportion_n as_o the_o people_n be_v well_o order_v they_o be_v more_o tractable_a and_o susceptible_a of_o the_o impression_n of_o piety_n as_o they_o be_v use_v to_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o magistrate_n they_o do_v the_o more_o easy_o submit_v to_o the_o holy_a discipline_n of_o christ_n yea_o and_o by_o obey_v civil-law_n they_o do_v already_o discharge_v some_o part_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n but_o when_o prince_n and_o magistrate_n either_o through_o ignorance_n or_o want_v of_o probity_n and_o virtue_n give_v way_n to_o the_o violation_n of_o justice_n and_o good_a order_n it_o be_v impossible_a but_o that_o religion_n must_v suffer_v by_o it_o for_o beside_o that_o the_o people_n can_v break_v the_o civil-law_n without_o violate_v the_o principle_n of_o religion_n how_o can_v they_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o christianity_n when_o they_o do_v not_o discharge_v those_o of_o nature_n it_o be_v very_o hard_a to_o persuade_v people_n to_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n who_o do_v not_o submit_v to_o the_o law_n of_o natural_a reason_n and_o justice_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o man_n who_o do_v not_o order_v their_o outward_a action_n aright_o shall_v regulate_v their_o thought_n and_o resist_v their_o passion_n or_o that_o be_v stranger_n to_o the_o first_o element_n of_o virtue_n they_o shall_v come_v up_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o most_o sublime_a precept_n of_o christian_a moral_n beside_o the_o want_n of_o order_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o justice_n and_o government_n draw_v after_o it_o all_o kind_n of_o disorder_n with_o relation_n to_o manner_n such_o as_o dishonesty_n and_o what_o be_v most_o dangerous_a a_o spirit_n of_o libertinism_n and_o independence_n which_o make_v man_n untoward_a and_o refractory_a to_o good_a discipline_n we_o be_v to_o observe_v here_o that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o man_n life_n be_v take_v up_o with_o civil_a matter_n all_o person_n be_v bind_v to_o obey_v the_o magistrate_n and_o few_o be_v altogether_o free_a from_o law-suit_n and_o business_n so_o that_o when_o the_o people_n be_v not_o well_o govern_v with_o relation_n to_o civil_a thing_n they_o do_v so_o accustom_v themselves_o to_o live_v without_o rule_n of_o restraint_n that_o religion_n can_v no_o long_o have_v any_o power_n over_o they_o the_o neglect_n and_o remissness_n of_o prince_n and_o magistrate_n do_v occasion_n all_o this_o mischief_n but_o if_o the_o bare_a carelessness_n of_o magistrate_n be_v so_o fatal_a to_o society_n how_o must_v it_o be_v when_o they_o themselves_o be_v vicious_a and_o unjust_a either_o in_o their_o own_o particular_a conduct_n or_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o office_n the_o great_a unhappiness_n that_o can_v befall_v any_o people_n be_v when_o those_o who_o be_v invest_v with_o the_o supreme_a authority_n favour_n injustice_n and_o vice_n it_o may_v be_v say_v then_o that_o the_o public_a fountain_n be_v poison_v the_o whole_a state_n be_v order_v by_o the_o sovereign_n they_o be_v those_o from_o who_o the_o law_n receive_v their_o force_n who_o appoint_v judge_n and_o magistrate_n and_o who_o regulate_v the_o administration_n of_o justice_n when_o inferior_a magistrate_n prevaricate_v this_o may_v be_v remedy_v by_o the_o sovereign_n but_o when_o the_o sovereign_n himself_o fail_v in_o his_o duty_n no_o redress_n can_v be_v expect_v not_o but_o that_o subordinate_a officer_n and_o magistrate_n may_v likewise_o occasion_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o mischief_n if_o we_o suppose_v in_o a_o province_n or_o a_o town_n magistrate_n and_o judge_n who_o want_v integrity_n who_o consult_v only_o their_o profit_n and_o interest_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o office_n who_o be_v not_o proof_n against_o bribe_n who_o administer_v justice_n from_o a_o principle_n of_o covetousness_n or_o passion_n who_o act_n by_o recommendation_n or_o favour_n and_o who_o be_v full_a of_o artifice_n and_o dissimulation_n this_o be_v enough_o to_o introduce_v and_o authorise_v wickedness_n throughout_o their_o whole_a jurisdiction_n to_o pervert_v right_o to_o banish_v justice_n and_o honesty_n from_o all_o court_n to_o make_v way_n for_o knavery_n and_o litigiousness_n for_o the_o protract_n of_o suit_n the_o abuse_n and_o violation_n of_o oath_n and_o many_o other_o disorder_n then_o it_o be_v that_o vice_n be_v in_o fashion_n and_o repute_n that_o virtue_n and_o innocency_n be_v oppress_v and_o that_o the_o people_n grow_v corrupt_a now_o all_o this_o be_v a_o direct_a undermine_v of_o religion_n and_o piety_n let_v any_o body_n judge_n whether_o i_o have_v not_o reason_n to_o say_v that_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o age_n may_v be_v impute_v to_o prince_n and_o magistrate_n but_o all_o these_o evil_n be_v yet_o more_o unavoidable_a when_o the_o prince_n or_o magistrate_n who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o they_o profess_v the_o christian_a religion_n a_o heathen_a magistrate_n have_v not_o by_o much_o that_o influence_n upon_o religion_n and_o manner_n that_o a_o christian_n have_v the_o church_n be_v pure_a and_o more_o separate_v from_o the_o world_n when_o the_o superior_a power_n be_v contrary_a to_o it_o but_o as_o soon_o as_o the_o emperor_n have_v embrace_v christianity_n piety_n
and_o zeal_n do_v visible_o decay_v not_o but_o that_o religion_n may_v receive_v and_o have_v actual_o receive_v great_a help_n from_o christian_a magistrate_n they_o have_v sometime_o contribute_v very_o effectual_o to_o the_o promote_a of_o piety_n and_o those_o who_o do_v so_o deserve_v immortal_a honour_n but_o it_o must_v likewise_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o vice_n and_o ill_a example_n of_o christian_a magistrate_n corrupt_v the_o church_n more_o than_o if_o it_o be_v under_o heathen_a governor_n the_o duty_n of_o christian_a prince_n and_o magistrate_n as_o well_o as_o of_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v double_a they_o be_v bind_v first_o to_o serve_v god_n and_o to_o discharge_v the_o obligation_n which_o religion_n lay_v upon_o all_o man_n and_o second_o to_o take_v care_n that_o god_n may_v be_v serve_v and_o honour_v by_o all_o those_o who_o be_v subject_a to_o their_o authority_n 1._o every_o christian_n ought_v to_o serve_v god_n and_o to_o live_v according_a to_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o very_a thing_n then_o that_o a_o magistrate_n be_v christian_a oblige_v he_o to_o be_v a_o lover_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n it_o be_v a_o common_a notion_n especial_o among_o great_a man_n that_o piety_n and_o devotion_n do_v not_o become_v those_o who_o be_v exalt_v to_o dignity_n and_o that_o public_a person_n â—re_n not_o to_o be_v rule_v by_o the_o maxim_n of_o religion_n but_o whosoever_o maintain_v this_o opinion_n must_v deny_v the_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o be_v either_o a_o atheist_n or_o a_o deist_n for_o suppose_v the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n it_o be_v beyond_o all_o doubt_n that_o a_o christian_a prince_n or_o magistrate_n have_v as_o much_o need_n of_o piety_n as_o other_o man_n have_v he_o be_v bind_v to_o be_v a_o good_a man_n by_o the_o same_o duty_n and_o interest_n which_o engage_v private_a man_n to_o be_v so_o he_o have_v a_o soul_n to_o be_v save_v as_o well_o as_o they_o and_o as_o he_o be_v a_o public_a person_n he_o be_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o his_o conduct_n to_o that_o judge_n with_o who_o there_o be_v no_o acception_n of_o person_n and_o before_o who_o the_o great_a of_o monarch_n be_v no_o more_o than_o the_o mean_a of_o slave_n if_o the_o eminent_a station_n of_o a_o magistrate_n make_v some_o difference_n between_o he_o and_o christian_n of_o a_o low_a order_n that_o difference_n oblige_v he_o to_o a_o high_a degree_n of_o piety_n the_o character_n he_o bear_v require_v a_o great_a stock_n of_o virtue_n no_o small_a measure_n of_o probity_n be_v requisite_a to_o acquit_v himself_o worthy_o in_o that_o call_v to_o do_v no_o injustice_n not_o to_o seek_v in_o his_o dignity_n the_o mean_n to_o gratify_v his_o interest_n his_o vanity_n his_o pride_n or_o his_o other_o passion_n without_o a_o firm_a and_o solid_a virtue_n he_o can_v withstand_v those_o temptation_n which_o offer_v themselves_o every_o minute_n and_o which_o be_v the_o more_o dangerous_a and_o subtle_a because_o in_o those_o exalt_a post_n ill_a thing_n for_o the_o most_o part_n may_v be_v do_v with_o safety_n if_o we_o add_v to_o all_o this_o that_o a_o ill_a magistrate_n be_v answerable_a for_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o disorder_n which_o happen_v and_o of_o the_o crime_n which_o be_v commit_v in_o society_n it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o magistracy_n be_v a_o kind_n of_o life_n wherein_o piety_n be_v extreme_o necessary_a and_o in_o which_o great_a circumspection_n and_o a_o sublime_a virtue_n be_v the_o only_a preservative_n against_o a_o thousand_o opportunity_n of_o transgress_v the_o duty_n of_o conscience_n and_o violate_v the_o most_o sacred_a law_n of_o religion_n and_o justice_n ii_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o christian_a prince_n and_o magistrate_n to_o labour_v for_o the_o promote_a of_o virtue_n and_o the_o suppress_n of_o vice_n among_o men._n we_o have_v show_v already_o that_o it_o be_v their_o interest_n to_o do_v so_o since_o religion_n be_v the_o sure_a foundation_n of_o their_o authority_n and_o of_o the_o fidelity_n of_o their_o people_n but_o their_o duty_n do_v beside_o indispensable_o oblige_v they_o to_o this_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o this_o obligation_n lie_v upon_o they_o since_o every_o christian_a be_v bind_v to_o advance_v the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o edify_v his_o neighbour_n as_o much_o as_o he_o can_v in_o that_o state_n and_o condition_n he_o be_v in_o the_o duty_n here_o be_v answerable_a to_o the_o abilitry_n so_o that_o we_o may_v apply_v to_o this_o purpose_n that_o maxim_n of_o the_o gospel_n xii_o gospel_n luke_n xii_o that_o to_o who_o soever_o much_o be_v give_v of_o he_o much_o shall_v be_v require_v private_a man_n can_v do_v much_o towards_o promote_a the_o glory_n of_o god_n their_o zeal_n and_o good_a intention_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n useless_a it_o be_v not_o in_o their_o power_n to_o hinder_v general_a disorder_n this_o aught_o therefore_o to_o be_v do_v by_o man_n of_o authority_n and_o they_o may_v do_v it_o easy_o beside_o a_o christian_a magistrate_n be_v to_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v providence_n which_o raise_v he_o to_o the_o post_n he_o be_v in_o and_o that_o by_o consequence_n he_o be_v engage_v in_o justice_n and_o gratitude_n to_o use_v his_o authority_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n last_o will_v it_o not_o be_v a_o strange_a thing_n that_o christian_a prince_n and_o magistrate_n shall_v do_v no_o service_n to_o religion_n when_o king_n and_o prince_n who_o be_v not_o christian_a can_v do_v so_o much_o hurt_v to_o it_o now_o they_o may_v advance_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o banish_v corruption_n these_o two_o way_n 1._o by_o their_o example_n 2._o by_o their_o care_n 1._o by_o their_o example_n this_o method_n be_v of_o great_a efficacy_n example_n be_v very_o forcible_a but_o their_o effect_n depend_v for_o the_o most_o part_n upon_o the_o quality_n and_o character_n of_o the_o person_n they_o come_v from_o it_o have_v be_v make_v appear_v in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n how_o much_o benefit_n redound_v to_o the_o church_n from_o the_o good_a life_n and_o example_n of_o the_o governor_n of_o it_o but_o the_o example_n of_o king_n prince_n and_o magistrate_n be_v in_o some_o respect_n of_o great_a weight_n when_o a_o churchman_n recommend_v virtue_n by_o a_o exemplary_a life_n it_o be_v often_o say_v that_o his_o profession_n oblige_v he_o to_o live_v so_o and_o this_o consideration_n make_v he_o to_o be_v example_n of_o little_a force_n upon_o worldly-minded_n men._n but_o when_o prince_n and_o magistrate_n be_v pious_a those_o man_n have_v no_o such_o thing_n to_o say_v the_o splendour_n and_o authority_n which_o surround_v greatness_n give_v much_o credit_n to_o every_o thing_n that_o come_v from_o great_a men._n they_o may_v sometime_o do_v more_o good_a with_o one_o word_n than_o a_o preacher_n can_v do_v by_o many_o sermon_n i_o have_v show_v in_o the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o work_n that_o one_o of_o the_o great_a obstacle_n to_o piety_n be_v a_o false_a shame_n which_o restrain_v man_n from_o do_v their_o duty_n for_o fear_v of_o be_v observe_v and_o despise_v and_o i_o be_o to_o show_v hereafter_o that_o custom_n have_v introduce_v among_o christian_n a_o great_a many_o maxim_n and_o practice_n contrary_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o gospel_n these_o two_o thing_n occasion_n corruption_n and_o till_o they_o be_v remedy_v vice_n and_o impiety_n must_v still_o reign_v but_o the_o example_n of_o great_a man_n be_v sufficient_a to_o remove_v almost_o entire_o both_o these_o spring_n of_o corruption_n they_o be_v the_o judge_n of_o honour_n and_o custom_n it_o be_v in_o their_o power_n to_o make_v any_o thing_n which_o be_v repute_v shameful_a to_o be_v think_v honourable_a and_o to_o abolish_v that_o which_o be_v general_o receive_v so_o that_o how_o scarce_o and_o despesed_a soever_o piety_n may_v be_v a_o idea_n of_o honour_n will_v be_v affix_v to_o it_o if_o it_o be_v favour_v and_o profess_v by_o great_a man_n and_o that_o will_v be_v respect_v in_o they_o which_o in_o other_o be_v look_v upon_o with_o indifference_n or_o contempt_n that_o which_o have_v happen_v with_o relation_n to_o duel_n be_v a_o strong_a proof_n of_o what_o i_o say_v to_o decline_v fight_v a_o duel_n have_v be_v think_v for_o a_o long_a time_n a_o disgrace_n and_o a_o infamy_n a_o false_a notion_n of_o honour_n do_v then_o bear_v down_o the_o strong_a principle_n of_o nature_n reason_n and_o christianity_n and_o drive_v man_n to_o that_o excess_n of_o brutality_n and_o madness_n that_o they_o will_v cut_v one_o another_o throat_n for_o a_o trifle_n but_o in_o those_o place_n where_o christian_n prince_n have_v abolish_v duel_n people_n be_v now_o of_o another_o mind_n and_o think_v it_o no_o shame_n to_o refuse_v a_o challenge_n and_o
thus_o swear_v drunkenness_n and_o the_o great_a of_o other_o clamorous_a sin_n may_v be_v suppress_v if_o great_a man_n please_v be_v it_o not_o observe_v beside_o that_o when_o a_o prince_n be_v devout_a devotion_n come_v into_o fashion_n it_o may_v be_v that_o this_o devotion_n which_o proceed_v from_o the_o example_n of_o prince_n be_v not_o always_o sincere_a but_o at_o least_o it_o regulate_v manner_n as_o to_o the_o exterior_a and_o such_o a_o outward_a reformation_n may_v be_v a_o step_n towards_o true_a devotion_n however_o this_o show_v that_o the_o opinion_n and_o example_n of_o man_n in_o authority_n have_v a_o great_a power_n and_o sure_o if_o by_o their_o credit_n they_o can_v make_v vice_n itself_o to_o be_v honour_v will_v it_o not_o be_v much_o easy_a for_o they_o to_o make_v other_o man_n honour_v virtue_n since_o it_o be_v honourable_a in_o its_o own_o nature_n i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o express_v of_o what_o consequence_n the_o example_n of_o great_a man_n be_v either_o for_o good_a or_o evil._n a_o prince_n who_o be_v vicious_a cruel_a dissolute_a artificious_a or_o unjust_a be_v enough_o to_o infect_v a_o whole_a state_n in_o a_o very_a little_a time_n to_o banish_v piety_n from_o it_o and_o to_o bring_v into_o repute_n drunkenness_n lewdnese_n cheat_v indevotion_n and_o all_o the_o other_o vice_n which_o he_o allow_v himself_o in_o this_o we_o find_v by_o daily_a experience_n such_o as_o the_o prince_n be_v so_o be_v those_o about_o he_o and_o from_o these_o the_o evil_a spread_v upon_o the_o whole_a people_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o credit_n and_o authority_n to_o which_o they_o be_v raise_v and_o of_o the_o influence_n they_o have_v upon_o public_a and_o private_a affair_n what_o may_v not_o be_v say_v here_o of_o the_o life_n which_o be_v lead_v in_o the_o court_n of_o prince_n except_v some_o few_o court_n where_o licentiousness_n be_v not_o suffer_v that_o kind_n of_o life_n which_o be_v follow_v at_o court_n for_o the_o generality_n agree_v little_a with_o the_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n people_z live_v there_o altogether_o in_o a_o loose_a and_o worldly_a manner_n in_o luxury_n idleness_n pomp_n and_o pleasure_n there_o the_o strong_a and_o the_o most_o entice_a temptation_n be_v to_o be_v meet_v with_o and_o the_o most_o criminal_a intrigue_n adultery_n itself_o be_v rather_o a_o matter_n of_o raillery_n than_o reproach_n it_o be_v almost_o impossible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o insinuate_v himself_o into_o the_o favour_n of_o prince_n and_o to_o advance_v his_o fortune_n at_o court_n unless_o he_o make_v it_o his_o maxim_n to_o dissemble_v his_o sentiment_n and_o to_o speak_v direct_o against_o his_o own_o thought_n the_o worst_a of_o it_o be_v that_o from_o thence_o corruption_n diffuse_v itself_o almost_o every_o where_n so_o that_o many_o disorder_n which_o be_v in_o vogue_n will_v be_v unknown_a or_o at_o least_o very_a rare_a in_o the_o world_n if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v introduce_v by_o that_o licentiousness_n which_o reign_v in_o the_o court_n of_o prince_n i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o endeavour_n which_o christian_a magistrate_n ought_v to_o use_v for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o revive_n of_o piety_n these_o endeavour_n relate_v either_o to_o civil_a matter_n or_o to_o religion_n 1._o in_o civil_a matter_n it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o restrain_v libertinism_n and_o corruption_n by_o regulate_v the_o manner_n of_o their_o subject_n either_o by_o repeal_n the_o law_n and_o custom_n which_o do_v not_o agree_v with_o religion_n and_o which_o engage_v the_o people_n into_o the_o violation_n of_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o by_o reform_v the_o abuse_n which_o be_v introduce_v from_o time_n to_o time_n particular_o those_o which_o creep_v into_o the_o administration_n of_o justice_n in_o relation_n to_o all_o these_o thing_n there_o be_v several_a fault_n which_o the_o church_n can_v provide_v against_o and_o which_o nothing_o can_v remedy_v but_o the_o magistrate_n authority_n 2._o the_o other_o care_n relate_v direct_o to_o religion_n 1._o prince_n and_o king_n profess_v christianity_n be_v bind_v to_o procure_v as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v the_o welfare_n of_o the_o church_n they_o ought_v to_o set_v about_o the_o establish_n of_o truth_n and_o peace_n provide_v that_o in_o order_n to_o that_o they_o use_v no_o mean_n but_o such_o as_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o gospel_n they_o ought_v by_o their_o authority_n to_o see_v that_o the_o church_n and_o religion_n want_v nothing_o of_o what_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o maintain_n of_o order_n and_o decency_n that_o divine_a service_n be_v due_o perform_v that_o there_o be_v both_o place_n for_o that_o purpose_n and_o a_o sufficient_a number_n of_o person_n to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n that_o those_o person_n may_v subsist_v honourable_o that_o they_o do_v their_o duty_n and_o keep_v themselves_o within_o the_o bound_n of_o their_o call_v they_o must_v not_o suffer_v church_n good_n or_o revenve_n to_o be_v apply_v to_o use_n mere_o civil_a and_o when_o these_o revenue_n be_v not_o sufficient_a it_o become_v their_o piety_n and_o justice_n to_o allot_v some_o part_n of_o the_o public_a revenue_n for_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o church_n in_o fine_a as_o to_z manner_n i_o observe_v before_o that_o they_o may_v easy_o give_v a_o stop_n to_o vice_n and_o impiety_n to_o luxury_n swear_v and_o other_o scandal_n which_o dishonour_v the_o church_n and_o if_o they_o can_v do_v this_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v it_o every_o christian_a be_v bind_v to_o do_v all_o that_o be_v in_o his_o power_n to_o promote_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n 2._o it_o be_v certain_a that_o magistrate_n who_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n aught_o to_o protect_v it_o to_o maintain_v the_o order_n which_o god_n have_v establish_v in_o it_o and_o not_o to_o suffer_v any_o breach_n to_o be_v make_v there_o so_o that_o though_o they_o may_v regulate_v many_o thing_n which_o concern_v religion_n and_o though_o the_o church_n owe_v they_o a_o great_a regard_n yet_o they_o can_v without_o usurpation_n and_o injustice_n arrogate_v to_o themselves_o the_o whole_a authority_n with_o relation_n to_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n they_o be_v neither_o the_o prince_n nor_o the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n as_o they_o be_v the_o prince_n and_o the_o head_n of_o civil_a society_n a_o authority_n superior_a to_o they_o have_v institute_v religion_n pastor_n and_o discipline_n there_o be_v a_o law_n enact_v by_o the_o king_n of_o king_n and_o the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n which_o clear_o determine_v the_o right_n and_o duty_n both_o of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o governor_n of_o it_o all_o these_o be_v sacred_a thing_n which_o earthly_a power_n be_v not_o to_o meddle_v with_o they_o be_v law_n which_o prince_n and_o magistrate_n do_v submit_v to_o when_o they_o become_v member_n of_o the_o church_n with_o respect_n to_o these_o i_o mean_v still_o essential_a thing_n appoint_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n they_o have_v acquire_v no_o right_n by_o embrace_v christianity_n since_o he_o who_o become_v member_n of_o a_o society_n can_v by_o that_o acquire_v a_o right_a to_o alter_v the_o natural_a form_n and_o constitution_n of_o it_o the_o instance_n of_o the_o king_n of_o judah_n show_v that_o a_o prince_n who_o profess_v true_a religion_n may_v interpose_v in_o the_o affair_n of_o it_o but_o we_o must_v take_v care_v not_o to_o carry_v this_o instance_n too_o far_o as_o those_o do_v who_o ascribe_v to_o the_o magistrate_n a_o supreme_a authority_n in_o the_o church_n who_o allow_v he_o a_o right_a to_o order_v every_o thing_n there_o not_o except_v discipline_n the_o call_n of_o pastor_n nor_o even_o the_o article_n of_o faith_n for_o beside_o that_o under_o the_o law_n king_n be_v by_o no_o mean_n the_o judge_n of_o every_o thing_n which_o concern_v religion_n we_o be_v not_o to_o argue_v altogether_o about_o the_o christian_a religion_n from_o what_o be_v do_v in_o the_o jewish_a church_n among_o â—â—e_z jew_n the_o church_n and_o the_o state_n be_v mix_v together_o and_o in_o some_o measure_n undistinguished_a from_o one_o another_o that_o mere_o spiritual_a society_n which_o be_v call_v the_o church_n and_o which_o be_v confine_v to_o no_o state_n or_o people_n or_o any_o particular_a form_n of_o civil_a government_n be_v proper_o erect_v since_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n god_n act_v among_o the_o jew_n as_o a_o civil_a magistrate_n the_o law_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n external_a law_n which_o may_v and_o ought_v to_o be_v maintain_v by_o force_n and_o authority_n the_o right_n of_o divine_a service_n and_o the_o function_n of_o priest_n be_v very_o different_a from_o the_o evangelical_n worship_n and_o from_o the_o office_n of_o christian_a pastor_n after_o all_o if_o we_o
succinct_a and_o superficial_a a_o manner_n that_o we_o do_v not_o find_v there_o so_o much_o as_o the_o name_n of_o a_o great_a many_o vice_n virtue_n and_o duty_n child_n who_o shall_v be_v raise_v up_o to_o christian_a perfection_n be_v only_o teach_v the_o ten_o commandment_n and_o from_o the_o explication_n which_o be_v give_v of_o these_o they_o gather_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v idolater_n blasphemer_n or_o profane_a person_n that_o they_o shall_v neither_o commit_v murder_n nor_o adultery_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o steal_v or_o bear_v false_a witness_n but_o how_o many_o other_o duty_n be_v there_o of_o which_o they_o have_v no_o manner_n of_o notion_n they_o be_v not_o teach_v what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v gentle_a humble_a sincere_a charitable_a pure_a sober_a and_o patient_a many_o person_n because_o they_o be_v never_o instruct_v in_o these_o virtue_n which_o be_v the_o principal_a ornament_n of_o a_o christian_a do_v not_o practice_v or_o so_o much_o as_o know_v they_o we_o be_v to_o impute_v to_o these_o slight_a and_o defective_a instruction_n that_o opinion_n which_o be_v common_o receive_v that_o whosoever_o be_v free_a from_o those_o six_o or_o seven_o great_a sin_n forbid_v in_o the_o decalogue_n be_v a_o good_a man._n 2._o the_o success_n of_o instruction_n depend_v in_o the_o second_o place_n upon_o the_o method_n and_o way_n of_o teach_v the_o method_n of_o teach_v shall_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n be_v clear_a and_o proportion_v to_o the_o age_n and_o capacity_n of_o child_n and_o on_o the_o other_o it_o shall_v be_v delightful_a and_o fit_a to_o make_v they_o love_v religion_n by_o this_o two_o end_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v aim_v at_o will_v be_v attain_v the_o mind_n will_v be_v enlighten_v and_o the_o heart_n move_v what_o be_v clear_a inform_v the_o mind_n and_o what_o be_v delightful_a win_v the_o heart_n and_o inspire_v into_o it_o a_o strong_a affection_n for_o religion_n and_o for_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o 1._o perspicuity_n be_v never_o more_o necessary_a than_o it_o be_v in_o the_o instruct_v of_o youth_n child_n have_v no_o idea_n as_o yet_o of_o most_o thing_n and_o not_o be_v use_v to_o the_o signification_n of_o word_n can_v understand_v what_o be_v say_v to_o they_o unless_o it_o be_v deliver_v with_o much_o clearness_n and_o simplicity_n and_o unless_o every_o thing_n be_v avoid_v which_o may_v puzzle_v or_o seem_v obscure_a to_o they_o this_o perspicuity_n result_v first_o from_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v teach_v it_o be_v a_o certain_a truth_n be_v always_o clear_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v and_o that_o on_o the_o contrary_a whatsoever_o be_v obscure_a and_o difficult_a be_v not_o very_o necessary_a so_o that_o provide_v instruction_n go_v no_o far_a than_o essential_a doctrine_n and_o duty_n it_o can_v be_v very_o hard_a for_o child_n to_o apprehend_v what_o be_v say_v to_o they_o second_o clear_a expression_n and_o plain_a and_o popular_a way_n of_o speak_v produce_v distinct_a idea_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o those_o who_o be_v instruct_v but_o a_o dark_a or_o too_o high_a a_o style_n figurative_a or_o learned_a phrase_n spoil_v the_o fruit_n of_o instruction_n last_o order_n and_o method_n contribute_v mighty_o to_o clearness_n it_o be_v not_o fit_a that_o child_n shall_v be_v load_v at_o first_o with_o many_o doctrine_n and_o precept_n general_a instruction_n the_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o simple_a idea_n aught_o to_o go_v foremost_a and_o then_o particular_a instruction_n and_o more_o complex_fw-la idea_n may_v be_v propose_v but_o still_o with_o a_o due_a regard_n to_o the_o age_n capacity_n and_o progress_n of_o child_n 2._o instruction_n be_v to_o be_v deliver_v in_o a_o delightful_a manner_n this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o insinuate_v ourselves_o into_o the_o mind_n of_o child_n nothing_o win_v more_o upon_o they_o than_o a_o sweet_a and_o pleasant_a way_n of_o speak_v and_o nothing_o give_v they_o so_o much_o disgust_v as_o roughness_n and_o severity_n if_o religion_n be_v represent_v to_o they_o with_o a_o attractive_a aspect_n they_o will_v certain_o embrace_v it_o with_o eagerness_n but_o for_o the_o most_o part_n those_o who_o teach_v or_o speak_v to_o they_o of_o religion_n do_v it_o with_o a_o air_n of_o severity_n and_o a_o dismal_a tone_n and_o with_o those_o circumstance_n which_o make_v they_o averse_a to_o it_o command_n threaten_n and_o constraint_n be_v use_v to_o make_v they_o take_v their_o catechism_n or_o say_v their_o prayer_n if_o they_o fail_v to_o do_v this_o their_o teacher_n be_v angry_a and_o beat_v they_o when_o we_o exhort_v they_o to_o piety_n in_o stead_n of_o go_v about_o this_o with_o such_o a_o gentleness_n as_o may_v make_v virtue_n amiable_a to_o they_o we_o speak_v in_o a_o harsh_a and_o chide_a manner_n the_o effect_n of_o this_o be_v that_o child_n see_v nothing_o in_o religion_n that_o be_v entice_a take_v up_o a_o prejudice_n against_o it_o they_o look_v upon_o that_o instruction_n to_o which_o they_o be_v compel_v as_o a_o hard_a piece_n of_o labour_n and_o drudgery_n religion_n be_v no_o soon_o mention_v but_o it_o damp_n their_o good_a humour_n they_o do_v nothing_o but_o by_o constraint_n and_o against_o their_o will_n they_o free_v themselves_o from_o that_o constraint_n assoon_o as_o they_o can_v and_o they_o bear_v during_o their_o whole_a life_n a_o aversion_n or_o at_o least_o a_o indifference_n to_o religion_n ii_o i_o have_v be_v discourse_v hitherto_o of_o what_o relate_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o religion_n and_o i_o hope_v i_o have_v clear_o prove_v that_o general_o speak_v child_n be_v ill_o instruct_v i_o be_o now_o to_o consider_v education_n with_o relation_n to_o practice_n for_o it_o will_v be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o infuse_v into_o young_a people_n a_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o duty_n of_o religion_n if_o they_o be_v noâ—_n teach_v to_o make_v a_o good_a use_n of_o that_o knowledge_n and_o to_o direct_v it_o to_o its_o true_a end_n which_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n and_o piety_n but_o it_o be_v seldom_o that_o the_o care_n of_o parent_n and_o of_o those_o who_o have_v the_o instruct_n of_o child_n go_v so_o far_o if_o they_o take_v some_o care_n about_o their_o instruction_n they_o general_o neglect_v they_o as_o to_o the_o practical_a part_n and_o they_o little_o inquire_v whether_o they_o live_v according_a to_o the_o precept_n of_o religion_n now_o instruction_n thus_o dispense_v do_v not_o only_o prove_v useless_a but_o they_o may_v likewise_o make_v child_n double_o wicked_a and_o fill_v they_o with_o the_o most_o dangerous_a prejudices_fw-la when_o child_n observe_v that_o religion_n be_v propose_v to_o they_o only_o in_o a_o historical_a and_o speculative_a manner_n and_o that_o provide_v they_o remember_v what_o be_v tell_v they_o and_o be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o it_o they_o be_v commend_v for_o be_v well_o skill_v in_o religion_n and_o that_o as_o for_o the_o rest_n they_o be_v permit_v to_o live_v as_o they_o please_v and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o chide_v though_o they_o do_v not_o practice_v what_o they_o be_v teach_v they_o conclude_v from_o all_o this_o that_o religion_n consist_v whole_o in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o profession_n of_o certain_a truth_n and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o frame_v their_o life_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o accustom_v themselves_o beside_o to_o slight_v their_o knowledge_n and_o to_o act_v against_o the_o principle_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n these_o pernicious_a sentiment_n be_v infuse_v into_o child_n when_o instruction_n be_v not_o direct_v to_o practice_n to_o prevent_v so_o great_a a_o evil_a these_o rule_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v 1._o the_o design_n of_o propose_v the_o truth_n and_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n to_o child_n shall_v be_v to_o beget_v in_o they_o a_o love_n and_o a_o respect_n for_o they_o and_o in_o order_n to_o that_o we_o shall_v let_v they_o see_v their_o certainty_n their_o importance_n and_o their_o use_n it_o ought_v then_o to_o be_v careful_o inculcate_v to_o they_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o true_a and_o certain_a nothing_o of_o great_a importance_n or_o that_o concern_v we_o near_o than_o religion_n and_o that_o in_o comparison_n with_o it_o all_o that_o we_o see_v in_o the_o world_n be_v of_o very_o little_a or_o no_o consequence_n and_o last_o that_o it_o be_v reveal_v for_o no_o other_o end_n but_o to_o make_v we_o good_a and_o to_o conduct_v we_o to_o the_o high_a bessedness_n by_o this_o method_n instruction_n will_v always_o terminate_v in_o practice_n by_o teach_v child_n to_o know_v god_n we_o shall_v excite_v in_o they_o a_o love_n and_o reverence_n towards_o that_o supreme_a be_v by_o speak_v to_o they_o of_o providence_n we_o shall_v make_v they_o apprehend_v that_o god_n
with_o extraordinary_a success_n cause_n vi_o example_n and_o custom_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n to_o be_v make_v but_o that_o birth_n education_n and_o imitation_n be_v three_o general_a principle_n of_o the_o irregularity_n of_o mons_fw-la conduct_n the_o state_n in_o which_o they_o be_v bear_v give_v they_o a_o bias_n towards_o vice_n education_n as_o have_v be_v show_v in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n cherish_v and_o maintain_v in_o most_o man_n that_o vicious_a inclination_n but_o custom_n and_o example_n give_v the_o finish_n strike_v to_o man_n corruption_n and_o make_v vice_n reign_v in_o the_o world_n with_o a_o sovereign_a sway._n this_o three_o principle_n be_v so_o general_a and_o so_o powerful_a that_o some_o have_v think_v it_o the_o chief_a cause_n of_o corruption_n and_o that_o we_o can_v better_o explain_v how_o sin_n be_v propagate_v and_o transmit_v from_o the_o parent_n to_o the_o child_n than_o by_o say_v that_o this_o happen_v through_o imitation_n and_o indeed_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o man_n be_v particular_o draw_v into_o evil_n by_o example_n and_o custom_n if_o this_o be_v not_o the_o primary_n or_o the_o only_a spring_n of_o corruption_n it_o be_v at_o least_o one_o of_o the_o principal_a source_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o i_o think_v it_o proper_a to_o consider_v this_o matter_n here_o with_o some_o attention_n all_o that_o i_o be_o to_o say_v in_o this_o chapter_n be_v found_v upon_o these_o two_o supposition_n 1._o i_o suppose_v that_o man_n love_v to_o act_v by_o imitation_n and_o that_o example_n be_v one_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o have_v the_o great_a force_n upon_o their_o mind_n but_o when_o the_o example_n be_v general_a and_o support_v by_o custom_n and_o multitude_n they_o be_v yet_o more_o incline_v to_o follow_v it_o they_o not_o only_o conform_v to_o custom_n but_o they_o think_v it_o beside_o just_a and_o lawful_a to_o do_v so_o general_n use_v be_v to_o they_o instead_o of_o law_n by_o which_o they_o judge_v of_o what_o be_v innocent_a and_o forbid_a and_o that_o which_o do_v yet_o more_o forcible_o determine_v they_o to_o follow_v example_n and_o the_o great_a number_n be_v that_o they_o think_v it_o a_o disgrace_n to_o do_v otherwise_o so_o that_o the_o fear_v of_o contempt_n add_v to_o their_o inclination_n make_v they_o perfect_a slave_n to_o custom_n if_o some_o remnant_n of_o knowledge_n and_o conscience_n do_v not_o suffer_v they_o to_o imagine_v that_o there_o be_v no_o hurt_v in_o comply_v in_o all_o thing_n with_o custom_n however_o they_o comfort_v themselves_o with_o the_o thought_n that_o the_o evil_a they_o do_v be_v not_o very_o great_a and_o that_o if_o they_o be_v not_o innocent_a they_o be_v excusable_a at_o least_o when_o they_o can_v plead_v example_n and_o common_a practice_n in_o their_o own_o behalf_n i_o suppose_v 2_o that_o example_n and_o custom_n be_v bad_a for_o the_o most_o part_n this_o i_o think_v needs_o not_o be_v prove_v and_o if_o it_o do_v this_o whole_a treatise_n may_v afford_v we_o sufficient_a proof_n of_o it_o since_o ignorance_n prejudices_fw-la false_a maxim_n and_o all_o the_o other_o cause_n of_o corruption_n i_o have_v mention_v be_v so_o many_o disposition_n sentiment_n and_o practice_n which_o be_v grow_v customary_a and_o be_v establish_v by_o the_o most_o general_a use_n but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o needful_a to_o prove_v that_o the_o multitude_n of_o ill_a example_n be_v very_o great_a and_o that_o custom_n be_v general_o vicious_a as_o it_o be_v to_o show_v that_o under_o the_o shelter_n of_o example_n and_o custom_n corruption_n be_v still_o spread_v far_o in_o the_o world_n and_o in_o the_o church_n in_o order_n to_o this_o i_o shall_v consider_v the_o power_n of_o custom_n and_o example_n in_o these_o three_o respect_n with_o relation_n 1._o to_o matter_n of_o faith_n 2_o to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n and_o 3_o to_o manner_n what_o i_o be_o to_o say_v upon_o these_o three_o head_n will_v discover_v the_o source_n of_o those_o three_o great_a imperfection_n which_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n i_o mean_v error_n want_v of_o order_n and_o the_o bad_a life_n of_o christian_n 1._o matter_n of_o faith_n shall_v not_o be_v subject_v to_o the_o tyranny_n of_o custom_n religion_n do_v not_o depend_v upon_o man_n fancy_n and_o opinion_n the_o truth_n of_o it_o be_v eternal_a truth_n it_o be_v found_v upon_o a_o immutable_a principle_n and_o it_o be_v not_o more_o liable_a to_o change_v than_o god_n who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o we_o see_v but_o too_o frequent_o that_o in_o religion_n as_o well_o as_o in_o worldy_a affair_n example_n be_v more_o prevalent_a than_o either_o reason_n justice_n or_o truth_n man_n do_v scarce_o ever_o examine_v thing_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n but_o custom_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o sentiment_n by_o this_o rule_n the_o determine_v what_o be_v true_a of_o false_a what_o they_o be_v to_o believe_v or_o to_o reject_v and_o this_o prejudice_n be_v so_o strong_a and_o man_n have_v carry_v it_o so_o far_o that_o multitude_n and_o custom_n be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o proof_n and_o character_n whereby_o christian_n be_v to_o distinguish_v truth_n from_o error_n and_o to_o judge_v what_o side_n they_o be_v to_o choose_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n what_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o so_o many_o people_n do_v not_o perceive_v that_o certain_a doctrine_n be_v palpable_a error_n and_o monstrous_a tenet_n we_o wonder_v how_o it_o be_v possible_a in_o so_o learned_a and_o refine_v a_o age_n as_o this_o be_v that_o the_o gross_a fable_n and_o extravagance_n shall_v still_o go_v down_o with_o man_n of_o part_n for_o divine_a truth_n and_o adorable_a mystery_n a_o time_n will_v come_v when_o posterity_n will_v hardly_o believe_v that_o ever_o such_o opinion_n be_v receive_v or_o that_o ever_o man_n do_v in_o earnest_a dispute_n for_o or_o against_o such_o or_o such_o a_o tenet_n it_o be_v only_o the_o prejudice_n of_o example_n and_o multitude_n which_o do_v blind_a man_n at_o this_o day_n they_o have_v be_v nurse_v up_o and_o educate_v in_o those_o persuasion_n they_o see_v they_o obtain_v among_o numerous_a society_n and_o that_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o their_o obstinacy_n in_o error_n nothing_o but_o this_o inclination_n of_o man_n to_o follow_v custom_n keep_v up_o in_o the_o church_n those_o dispute_n which_o rend_v it_o into_o so_o many_o different_a sect_n the_o principle_n and_o design_n of_o most_o dispute_n be_v no_o other_o but_o that_o man_n will_v maintain_v at_o any_o rate_n the_o sentiment_n of_o their_o party_n and_o by_o this_o mean_v those_o who_o be_v in_o error_n instead_o of_o be_v undeceive_v be_v more_o and_o more_o confirm_v in_o it_o every_o body_n swallow_v without_o chew_v all_o that_o be_v profess_v in_o the_o society_n or_o communion_n in_o which_o he_o live_v and_o condemn_v without_o examination_n the_o opinion_n which_o be_v maintain_v by_o small_a number_n or_o by_o person_n of_o another_o country_n or_o society_n those_o who_o be_v prepossess_v do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o make_v it_o a_o question_n whether_o they_o may_v not_o be_v mistake_v and_o whether_o the_o truth_n may_v not_o be_v on_o the_o other_o side_n it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o allege_v to_o such_o people_n the_o most_o invincible_a reason_n to_o press_v they_o with_o express_a declaration_n of_o scripture_n or_o with_o un_fw-fr answerable_a objection_n for_o either_o they_o do_v not_o attend_v to_o all_o this_o or_o if_o they_o examine_v those_o reason_n and_o objection_n it_o be_v with_o a_o mind_n full_a of_o prejudices_fw-la and_o resolve_v beforehand_o to_o think_v they_o frivolous_a and_o not_o to_o alter_v their_o sentiment_n they_o satisfy_v themselves_o with_o some_o sorry_a argument_n or_o wretched_a answer_n if_o any_o scruple_n and_o difficulty_n remain_v they_o shake_v they_o off_o in_o a_o trice_n and_o set_v their_o conscience_n at_o rest_n with_o this_o consideration_n that_o they_o follow_v the_o common_a opinion_n they_o make_v no_o do_v doubt_n but_o that_o they_o be_v safe_a as_o long_o as_o they_o side_n with_o the_o great_a number_n beside_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o world_n which_o may_v be_v obtain_v by_o the_o adhere_n to_o the_o general_a opinion_n will_v full_o determine_v they_o if_o they_o be_v not_o determine_v before_o and_o they_o easy_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o their_o spiritual_a welfare_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o that_o party_n which_o agree_v best_a with_o their_o temporal_a interest_n 2._o custom_n be_v likewise_o the_o chief_a obstacle_n to_o the_o restore_n of_o order_n in_o the_o church_n i_o can_v here_o make_v a_o long_a article_n if_o i_o will_v mention_v all_o the_o defect_n which_o may_v be_v observe_v in_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n and_o
very_a particular_a attention_n i_o have_v already_o touch_v they_o by_o the_o by_o but_o i_o will_v propose_v they_o more_o distinct_o here_o 1._o that_o common_a opinion_n that_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o embrace_v the_o sentiment_n and_o the_o way_n of_o live_v which_o be_v receive_v in_o the_o world_n be_v that_o which_o make_v corruption_n spread_v and_o insinuate_v itself_o every_o where_n man_n make_v it_o a_o law_n to_o themselves_o and_o repute_v it_o honourable_a to_o comply_v with_o custom_n it_o be_v lay_v down_o for_o a_o maxim_n that_o we_o must_v live_v as_o other_o do_v and_o accommodate_v ourselves_o to_o the_o fashion_n which_o be_v establish_v and_o that_o it_o will_v make_v we_o ridiculous_a if_o in_o behaviour_n and_o manner_n we_o shall_v differ_v from_o the_o age_n and_o the_o place_n we_o live_v in_o i_o do_v not_o absolute_o reject_v this_o maxim_n because_o it_o be_v capable_a of_o a_o very_a good_a sense_n a_o christian_n shall_v not_o profess_v a_o unsociable_a piety_n he_o may_v lawful_o observe_v certain_a decence_n and_o comply_v to_o a_o certain_a degree_n with_o the_o opinion_n and_o manner_n of_o those_o he_o converse_v with_o nay_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v this_o for_o the_o interest_n of_o religion_n and_o piety_n but_o such_o a_o compliance_n and_o such_o regard_n become_v criminal_a when_o they_o engage_v he_o to_o act_v against_o duty_n and_o conscience_n if_o the_o custom_n be_v bad_a he_o ought_v to_o depart_v from_o it_o and_o to_o do_v in_o spite_n of_o it_o whatsoever_o god_n command_v he_o do_v not_o deserve_v the_o name_n of_o a_o christian_a who_o have_v not_o the_o courage_n to_o do_v this_o and_o yet_o few_o people_n be_v capable_a of_o this_o resolution_n the_o great_a part_n be_v overcome_v by_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o multitude_n the_o regard_n they_o bear_v to_o the_o example_n and_o judgement_n of_o other_o produces_z in_o they_o a_o false_a shame_n which_o hinder_v they_o from_o do_v their_o duty_n and_o prompt_v they_o to_o evil_a notwithstanding_o all_o the_o check_n of_o conscience_n and_o nothing_o be_v so_o fatal_a and_o pernicious_a in_o the_o state_n of_o those_o who_o thus_o comply_v with_o custom_n as_o that_o they_o become_v such_o habitual_a slave_n to_o it_o that_o they_o be_v no_o more_o able_a to_o alter_v their_o conduct_n when_o a_o man_n be_v once_o get_v into_o a_o certain_a course_n of_o life_n in_o the_o world_n he_o pursue_v it_o and_o he_o be_v still_o engage_v deep_o into_o it_o till_o at_o last_o he_o come_v under_o a_o kind_n of_o impossibility_n of_o leave_v it_o though_o he_o will_v because_o in_o order_n to_o that_o he_o must_v break_v off_o those_o tie_n and_o engagement_n which_o he_o have_v be_v contract_v for_o a_o great_a while_n he_o must_v withdraw_v from_o divers_a company_n and_o enter_v quite_o upon_o another_o way_n of_o live_v now_o it_o be_v very_o seldom_o if_o ever_o that_o people_n can_v resolve_v upon_o all_o this_o 2._o even_o those_o person_n who_o be_v well_o dispose_v be_v shake_v by_o example_n and_o custom_n i_o say_v something_o of_o this_o in_o the_o chapter_n of_o false-shame_n a_o great_a many_o be_v satisfy_v that_o the_o side_n of_o the_o multitude_n be_v not_o the_o best_a and_o that_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o age_n do_v not_o agree_v with_o religion_n but_o they_o dare_v not_o swerve_v from_o custom_n the_o fear_n of_o be_v hate_v reproach_v or_o despise_v restrain_v they_o and_o frequent_o extort_v sinful_a compliance_n from_o they_o i_o shall_v take_v notice_n to_o this_o purpose_n of_o what_o happen_v every_o day_n to_o young_a people_n who_o parent_n have_v endeavour_v to_o breed_v up_o to_o piety_n and_o good_a manner_n when_o they_o first_o go_v out_o of_o their_o father_n house_n they_o be_v ashamed_a and_o afraid_a of_o do_v ill_a thing_n sin_n raise_v some_o kind_n of_o horror_n in_o they_o with_o these_o disposition_n they_o launch_v into_o the_o world_n they_o be_v place_v either_o in_o the_o army_n or_o at_o court._n and_o there_o they_o do_v not_o find_v those_o maxim_n of_o piety_n practise_v which_o have_v be_v infuse_v into_o they_o but_o they_o have_v only_o ill_a example_n before_o their_o eye_n they_o see_v there_o person_n who_o have_v be_v recommend_v to_o they_o for_o behave_v themselves_o upon_o who_o their_o promotion_n and_o fortune_n depend_v and_o who_o be_v repute_v honest_a man_n they_o see_v such_o person_n i_o say_v live_v in_o a_o licentious_a manner_n this_o at_o first_o surprise_v and_o trouble_v they_o their_o conscience_n hold_v out_o for_o a_o while_n but_o example_n do_v insensible_o lessen_v in_o they_o the_o aborrence_n of_o vice_n their_o good_a disposition_n vanish_v in_o a_o little_a time_n and_o at_o last_o they_o swim_v with_o the_o stream_n they_o embolden_v themselves_o in_o ill_a thing_n and_o they_o become_v finish_v libertine_n they_o do_v in_o like_a manner_n drink_v in_o the_o atheistical_a sentiment_n which_o common_o be_v in_o fashion_n among_o person_n of_o quality_n if_o they_o be_v but_o tell_v that_o man_n of_o wit_n and_o quality_n do_v not_o believe_v a_o thing_n or_o that_o they_o entertain_v any_o opinion_n that_o be_v enough_o to_o make_v they_o embrace_v that_o opinion_n and_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n 3._o in_o the_o last_o place_n man_n be_v apt_a to_o think_v that_o if_o custom_n do_v not_o justify_v it_o do_v at_o least_o excuse_n vice_n and_o that_o if_o they_o do_v amiss_o in_o the_o follow_v the_o general_a practice_n it_o be_v but_o a_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n which_o god_n will_v not_o take_v notice_n of_o this_o be_v the_o last_o refuge_n of_o a_o great_a many_o person_n they_o will_v own_v that_o man_n manner_n be_v very_o much_o deprave_v and_o that_o there_o be_v little_a of_o true_a piety_n among_o they_o but_o they_o will_v say_v this_o be_v the_o fashion_n now_o a-days_o this_o be_v the_o way_n of_o the_o world_n and_o he_o can_v be_v very_o guilty_a who_o do_v only_o what_o other_o do_v nay_o several_a man_n who_o be_v not_o libertine_n and_o who_o see_v what_o shall_v be_v do_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o promote_a of_o piety_n fancy_n themselves_o under_o no_o obligation_n to_o oppose_v custom_n their_o excuse_n be_v that_o it_o signify_v nothing_o to_o strive_v against_o a_o torrent_n so_o that_o sloth_n and_o timorousness_n together_o magnify_v the_o difficulty_n which_o their_o imagination_n represent_v to_o they_o they_o make_v no_o effort_n and_o they_o let_v thing_n go_v on_o at_o the_o usual_a rate_n while_o custom_n corrupt_v and_o blind_v some_o it_o intimidate_n and_o discourage_v other_o and_o thus_o vice_n and_o disorder_n be_v still_o take_v deep_a root_n now_o two_o sort_n of_o remedy_n may_v be_v apply_v to_o this_o cause_n of_o corruption_n to_o wit_n particular_a and_o general_a remedy_n the_o particular_a remedy_n be_v those_o caution_n which_o every_o body_n ought_v to_o use_v to_o prevent_v his_o be_v seduce_v by_o example_n and_o custom_n there_o be_v two_o principal_a mean_n for_o a_o man_n to_o keep_v himself_o free_a from_o this_o seduction_n the_o first_o be_v to_o avoid_v ill_a example_n as_o much_o as_o possible_a to_o withdraw_v from_o those_o conversation_n and_o to_o abstain_v from_o those_o employment_n which_o draw_v man_n into_o sin_n and_o to_o choose_v a_o kind_n of_o life_n which_o may_v not_o engage_v we_o too_o far_o into_o the_o world_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a to_o seek_v after_o good_a example_n and_o to_o be_v conversant_a with_o virtuous_a person_n end_n person_n see_v part._n i._n cause_n iii_o artic._n ii_o 4._o etc._n etc._n cause_n v._o art_n two_o about_o the_o end_n but_o as_o notwithstanding_o all_o these_o circumspection_n we_o can_v avoid_v be_v often_o tempt_v by_o ill_a example_n so_o we_o ought_v in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o arm_n and_o fortify_v ourselves_o against_o this_o temptation_n by_o strong_o possess_v our_o mind_n with_o the_o sentiment_n which_o religion_n inspire_v i_o have_v show_v elsewhere_o what_o judgement_n a_o christian_n ought_v to_o make_v of_o custom_n and_o man_n opinion_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o god_n have_v set_v we_o a_o law_n by_o which_o he_o will_v judge_v we_o and_o have_v give_v we_o the_o knowledge_n of_o that_o law_n and_o powerful_a encouragement_n to_o make_v it_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o deportment_n neither_o example_n nor_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o world_n can_v any_o way_n excuse_v we_o from_o do_v what_o god_n command_v or_o deliver_v we_o from_o the_o punishment_n which_o our_o disobedience_n deserve_v those_o who_o have_v a_o great_a regard_n to_o custom_n than_o to_o their_o duty_n be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o inexcusable_a because_o the_o gospel_n express_o forbid_v we_o to_o govern_v ourselves_o by_o the_o practice_n or_o example_n of_o